Creamy Pasta Salad: A Cozy Delight for Any Gathering
Ah, creamy pasta salad — a dish that instantly transports me back to those sun-kissed summer picnics where laughter floated through the air and the scent of fresh flowers danced lightly on a gentle breeze. It’s a timeless recipe, filled with comforting flavors and textures that are not only pleasing to the palate but also evoke the warmest of memories. Whether it’s a family gathering, a casual barbecue, or simply a cozy night in, this creamy pasta salad always finds its way to the table, bringing joy wherever it goes. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings, this creamy pasta salad can be whipped up in no time and requires no baking.
- Crowd-Pleasing Delight: With its rich flavors and delightful textures, this dish appeals to a variety of taste buds, making it an instant favorite!
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love the combination of creamy dressing, tender pasta, and crispy bacon.
- Make-Ahead Wonder: This pasta salad tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or potlucks.
- Versatile Base: The recipe can easily be customized to include your favorite seasonal veggies or proteins, allowing you to get creative!
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients:
- 12 oz small pasta noodles (like rotini or penne)
- 2 cups frozen peas (thawed)
- 12 oz thick cut bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
Let’s Make It Together
Start by cooking the pasta noodles in a large pot of boiling water according to their package directions, until they are perfectly al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and rinse it under cold water until it cools down. This helps to stop the cooking process and keep the pasta firm.
While the pasta is cooking, ensure your frozen peas are nicely thawed, the bacon is cooked until golden and crispy, and the parmesan cheese is freshly grated. Set these wonderful ingredients aside, and let’s move on to the next step!
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk them together with love until they form a creamy dressing.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, thawed peas, crispy bacon, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Pour the creamy dressing over the top of this beautiful medley.
Gently stir everything together, ensuring every morsel is evenly coated in that luscious dressing.
Cover the bowl with a lid or some plastic wrap and place it in the fridge to chill for at least 1 to 2 hours. This allows all those wonderful flavors to mingle together. But if you’re in a hurry, no worries — you can serve it immediately!
Variations & Creative Twists
- Zesty Lemon Burst: Add the zest of a fresh lemon or a splash of lemon juice for a refreshing, zesty twist that brightens up the creamy flavors.
- Crunchy Veggie Medley: Toss in some diced bell peppers, crisp cucumbers, or even cherry tomatoes for a vibrant crunch and added nutrition.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can work wonders, adding a fragrant finish that elevates your creamy pasta salad to gourmet status.
- Cheesy Goodness: For cheese lovers, consider adding some crumbled feta or blue cheese to deepen the flavor profile and add richness.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: To save time, you can prepare this creamy pasta salad a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge; it will taste even better as it chills!
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to swap the thick-cut bacon for turkey bacon or even a plant-based alternative for a lighter version. The creamy dressing still holds all the flavor!
- Proper Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh. It will last about 3-5 days — but I doubt it’ll stick around that long!
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: About 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Total Carbohydrates: 39g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 700mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! This creamy pasta salad is perfect for making ahead of time. Just give it some time to chill and let the flavors meld together.
- Can I use different ingredients? Certainly! You can customize this recipe based on what you have on hand — try mixing in different veggies, proteins, or even cheeses.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3-5 days.
- How long does it last? If stored properly, this pasta salad can last for about a week in the fridge. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving again!
Wrapping It Up
This Creamy Pasta Salad is truly a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It effortlessly combines comfort food with a nod to the joy of shared moments. With its creamy dressing, crisp bacon, and tender pasta, it’s a versatile and delightful addition to any meal or gathering. Save this Creamy Pasta Salad to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share it with your loved ones — may it bring as much warmth and sunshine to your table as it does to mine!
Print
Creamy Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A delightful creamy pasta salad that combines tender pasta, crispy bacon, and a rich dressing, perfect for gatherings and meal prep.
Ingredients
- 12 oz small pasta noodles (like rotini or penne)
- 2 cups frozen peas (thawed)
- 12 oz thick cut bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta noodles in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the peas, bacon, and parmesan cheese, setting them aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to make the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, peas, bacon, and parmesan. Pour the dressing over the top and gently stir to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to chill and let flavors meld, or serve immediately.
Notes
For added flavor, consider adding lemon zest or fresh herbs. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: creamy pasta salad, summer salad, picnic food, easy recipe, family-friendly