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Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad That Will Steal the Show at Potlucks

This Creamy Pasta Salad is a rich medley of tender pasta, crispy bacon, and sweet peas, perfect for potlucks.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Small Pasta Noodles Use any small pasta like shells or elbows.
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Can be swapped for corn.
  • 8 ounces Thick Cut Bacon Turkey bacon works great for a lighter option.
  • ½ cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Substitute with Pecorino Romano for a twist.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt can lighten it up.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Feel free to use any neutral oil like canola.
  • 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar White vinegar or fresh lemon juice can replace it.
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar Adjust to taste or omit if you prefer less sweet.
  • to taste Salt Adjust based on preference.
  • to taste Pepper Adjust based on preference.
For Extra Flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic is a robust alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Can be replaced with fresh onion for added texture.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a skillet, cook thick-cut bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Crumble into bite-sized pieces. Thaw frozen peas.
  3. Whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Combine cooled pasta, thawed peas, crumbled bacon, and Parmesan cheese in a large mixing bowl. Fold gently.
  5. Pour the dressing over the mixture, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated. Chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 8gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Rinse your pasta well after cooking to prevent clumping and allow the salad to chill for enhanced flavors.

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