Creative Pasta Salad Recipes for Every Season
Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe
This creamy pasta salad is going to quickly become one of my favorite side dishes. It’s perfect for pairing with almost any dinner, especially with some grilled chicken, a nice salad, or even burgers. Plus, it’s ideal for taking to a potluck-style dinner!
Now that it’s warming up, I’m all about soaking up the sunshine and eating outdoors as much as possible. My favorite thing to do is grill some delicious meat and pair it with a yummy side dish like this creamy pasta salad. Add some fresh or grilled veggies, watermelon, and you’ve got the perfect meal.
I’m obsessed with pasta salad recipes, and this one truly stands out. It’s coated in a flavorful, creamy dressing, mixed with crispy bacon and sweet peas for that perfect texture and flavor in every bite. Not only is it super simple to make, but it’s also customizable. If peas aren’t your thing, swap them for corn. Want tomatoes? Toss them in. Need more protein? Add some cooked chicken—it’s totally up to you!
How I Make Creamy Pasta Salad
- Cook the Pasta
I start by boiling a large pot of water and cooking the noodles until they’re perfectly al dente. After draining the water, I rinse the noodles with cold water to stop the cooking process and pat them dry. - Prepare the Add-Ins
While the pasta cooks, I make sure my peas are thawed and cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Then, I crumble up the bacon and get ready to assemble. - Mix It All Together
In a large bowl, I combine the cooked noodles, crispy bacon, peas, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. I give everything a good stir to mix it evenly. - Make the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, I whisk together mayo, olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to create the most delicious creamy dressing. - Combine and Serve
I pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated. After that, I either refrigerate it for about an hour or serve it immediately if I can’t wait!
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Bacon Pasta Salad
- Make Ahead Tip: This salad is an awesome make-ahead recipe. I usually prepare everything except the bacon and half the dressing. When I’m ready to serve, I just toss in the bacon and remaining dressing.
- Choose the Right Pasta: Medium-sized pasta like medium shells, rotini, or farfalle works best for this recipe.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the pasta al dente is key. It keeps the salad from getting too soggy, even after sitting in the dressing.
- Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to mix in additional veggies or proteins. Some great options include chopped carrots, bell peppers, corn, grilled chicken, cubed ham, or even cubed cheddar cheese.
Why I Love This Pasta Salad
This creamy pasta salad is packed with flavor from the peas, bacon, and pasta, all perfectly coated in that creamy dressing. It’s such a versatile dish, and it works wonderfully as a side for any dinner or as a potluck star. If you’re like me and love trying different pasta salad recipes, this one is a must-make!
Creamy Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 12 oz small pasta noodles
- 2 cup frozen peas thawed
- 12 oz thick cut bacon cooked and chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 TBS olive oil
- 1 TBS apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp granulated sugar to taste
- 1 tsp salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder to taste
- 1/2 tsp onion powder to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta noodles in a large pot of water according to their package directions, until cooked al dente. Drain the water out, and rinse the noodles in cold water.
- While the pasta is cooking, make sure the peas are thawed, bacon is cooked and crumbled, and parmesan is grated. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk them together till combined.
- Add the pasta, peas, bacon, and parmesan to a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the top. Stir it all together till everything is coated evenly in the dressing.
- Cover the pasta bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the fridge to chill for 1 to 2 hours, or serve immediately.
Nutrition
Hi, I’m Emily Hart, a 32-year-old chef with a lifelong passion for cooking that goes far beyond just a career—it’s the heart and soul of who I am. From the moment I was old enough to hold a spoon, I’ve been enchanted by the way food brings people together, how flavors can tell stories, and how a simple dish can evoke powerful emotions. The kitchen is my sanctuary, where the sizzle of pans and the aroma of fresh ingredients inspire me to create something special every day.
For me, cooking isn’t just about following recipes; it’s about experimenting, pushing boundaries, and blending culinary traditions to create something new and exciting. Whether I’m preparing an elegant five-course dinner or a comforting bowl of homemade soup, I pour my heart into every detail. I believe that food has the power to connect us all—whether through shared meals or teaching others how to find joy in cooking.
Over the years, I’ve honed my skills not only in crafting delicious meals but also in understanding what makes people feel at home when they sit down at the table. I love sharing my passion with others through cooking classes, collaborations with fellow food enthusiasts, and simply bringing people together one plate at a time. Cooking is my art form, and every dish is an opportunity to share a piece of myself with the world.
