Description

This creamy pasta salad is a perfect blend of tender pasta, sweet peas, crispy bacon, and a tangy homemade dressing made with mayonnaise, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar. It’s easy to prepare, served chilled, and ideal for potlucks, picnics, or as a satisfying side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

12 oz small pasta noodles
2 cups frozen peas, thawed

Meat and Cheese

12 oz thick cut bacon, cooked and chopped
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Dressing

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: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles.
Prepare Ingredients: While the pasta cooks, thaw the frozen peas, cook and crumble the thick cut bacon, and grate the parmesan cheese. Set all aside.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until fully combined and smooth.
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, thawed peas, chopped bacon, and grated parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to let the flavors meld. Alternatively, serve immediately if preferred.

Notes

For best flavor, chill the salad for at least an hour before serving to allow the dressing to penetrate the pasta.
You can swap the bacon for a vegetarian option or omit it for a lighter salad.
Adjust the seasoning (salt, sugar, pepper) to taste depending on your preference.
Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for a richer taste and better texture.
This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it ideal for meal prep.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: creamy pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, easy pasta salad, mayonnaise pasta salad, spring pasta salad, party side dish