If you’re searching for a dish that’s irresistible at any gathering, this Creamy Pasta Salad has your back! It’s a magical blend of tender noodles, sweet peas, smoky bacon, and a luscious homemade dressing that wraps everything together in velvety perfection. Each bite bursts with flavor and texture—trust me, this is one salad that always disappears first at potlucks and BBQs!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy & Packed with Flavor: The homemade dressing coats every noodle and veggie with rich, tangy goodness—no bland bites here!
- Feeds a Crowd Effortlessly: This Creamy Pasta Salad makes a generous batch, making it perfect for family gatherings, BBQs, or just meal prepping lunches for the week.
- Quick & Customizable: You only need about 30 minutes and a few simple swaps to fit almost any dietary need or flavor craving.
- Sweet, Savory & Satisfying: The combo of smoky bacon, sweet peas, and salty parmesan is true texture and flavor heaven—you’ll want seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
I absolutely love how you don’t need anything fancy to make this Creamy Pasta Salad, yet every ingredient plays a starring role. Each one brings just the right note of flavor, crunch, or silkiness—come together and you get pure comfort in a bowl.
- Small pasta noodles (12 oz): Rotini, shells, or bowties—the shape is up to you! The curves and crevices hold onto all that creamy dressing.
- Frozen peas (2 cups, thawed): Bright green, pleasantly sweet, and a lovely contrast to the savory ingredients. Thaw them before adding so they stay tender.
- Thick cut bacon (12 oz, cooked and chopped): The smokiness and crispy bits are unbeatable—don’t be shy; cook it until it’s golden but not burnt.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a nutty, salty zing and helps bring everything together. Freshly grated really makes a difference!
- Mayonnaise (3/4 cup): The base of our dreamy dressing—full-fat gives the best texture, but you can use light if you prefer.
- Olive oil (2 TBS): Brings richness and silkiness to the sauce. Use good quality for best results.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 TBS): Adds the right touch of tang, balancing out all the creamy elements.
- Granulated sugar (1 tsp, to taste): Just a hint of sweetness to complement the vinegar and peas.
- Salt (1 tsp, or to taste): Don’t skip this! It heightens all the flavors, so adjust to your liking.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp, to taste): For a subtle, savory background note.
- Onion powder (1/2 tsp, to taste): Lends that quintessential salad zing, tying everything together.
- Black pepper (1/4 tsp, to taste): Adds warmth and complexity. Fresh cracked is wonderful!
Variations
One of the joys of Creamy Pasta Salad is just how flexible it is! Don’t be afraid to raid the fridge or pantry—mix and match veggies, proteins, or even swap up the dressing until you find your new favorite twist.
- Veggie Lover’s Version: Add diced bell peppers, chopped celery, or cherry tomatoes for extra crunch and color.
- Chicken Bacon Ranch: Swap the parmesan for shredded cheddar, add cooked chicken breast, and stir in a little ranch seasoning for a whole new flavor profile.
- Herby Makeover: Stir in fresh chopped dill, parsley, or chives just before serving for a garden-fresh finish.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to create a salad everyone at the table can enjoy.
How to Make Creamy Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta
Start by boiling your noodles in a large pot of salted water, just until they’re perfectly al dente (check your package for times). Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it quickly—this keeps your Creamy Pasta Salad from turning gluey and helps those noodles stay springy and distinct.
Step 2: Prep the Mix-Ins
While the pasta cooks, thaw your peas (a quick rinse under warm water works wonders), fry your bacon to crispy perfection, and grate your parmesan. Having all your ingredients ready means you can toss everything together swiftly while the pasta cools.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is totally smooth and glossy—the balance of tang, sweet, and creaminess is absolutely key for this salad’s craveable sauce!
Step 4: Toss and Chill
In a big mixing bowl, add your cooled pasta, peas, crispy bacon, and parmesan. Pour all of that dreamy dressing over the top and stir gently until everything is evenly coated. Cover it up and let your Creamy Pasta Salad chill in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours—if you can wait! This gives those flavors time to meld and the salad to firm up perfectly.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Pasta Salad
- Pasta Shape Matters: Choose short, twisty noodles like rotini or shells so all the yummy dressing, peas, and bacon nestle into every bite.
- Keep It Creamy: If your salad looks a little dry after chilling, just stir in a splash of milk or mayo before serving to revive that silky texture.
- Bacon Tip: For ultra-crisp bacon, bake strips on a wire rack over a baking sheet—no splatters, all crunch!
- Flavor Boost: Letting the pasta salad chill makes all the difference—plan for at least an hour so every spoonful is bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Pasta Salad
Garnishes
A shower of extra parmesan, a handful of chopped fresh herbs (think parsley or dill), or even a few twists of black pepper instantly dress up your Creamy Pasta Salad. For a special touch, try a sprinkle of crumbled crispy bacon—guests go wild for that salty crunch!
Side Dishes
This salad plays beautifully with classic picnic favorites—think grilled chicken, burgers, hot dogs, or even a platter of grilled veggies. It’s a hearty side that can even double as a main for light lunches, especially with a wedge of crusty sourdough or garlic bread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Creamy Pasta Salad in a big, colorful bowl lined with lettuce leaves for a buffet table standout, or scoop it into individual cups or mason jars for easy grab-and-go party servings. For family dinners, pile it high on a serving platter and let everyone dig in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Pasta Salad stores like a dream! Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I recommend giving it a gentle stir before serving, and add a drizzle of extra dressing if the noodles soak up some of the sauce over time.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad—the creamy dressing and tender pasta don’t thaw well and can become watery or separated. It’s much better enjoyed fresh, and since it disappears quickly, leftovers are rarely a problem!
Reheating
No reheating necessary here—Creamy Pasta Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge or room temperature. If it’s just been chilling for a while, let it rest on the counter for 15-20 minutes for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
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Can I make Creamy Pasta Salad a day ahead?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead lets the flavors meld even more beautifully. Just remember to give it a good stir (and add a spoonful of mayo if it seems a bit dry) before serving.
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What type of pasta works best for Creamy Pasta Salad?
Short, sturdy shapes like rotini, shells, or farfalle are fantastic for grabbing onto the creamy dressing and mix-ins. Long noodles, like spaghetti, won’t hold up as well in a chilled salad.
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Is there a way to lighten up the dressing?
Yes! Swap in light mayonnaise or even half Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-calorie version. You can also reduce the bacon or substitute it with turkey bacon for a leaner salad.
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Can I add other vegetables or proteins?
Definitely—this recipe is a blank canvas! Try adding diced bell peppers, red onions, cherry tomatoes, or even grilled chicken or ham to make it heartier and colorful.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Pasta Salad is pure comfort, tossed with flavors that make family and friends linger at the table for “just one more scoop.” I hope you’ll give it a try at your next gathering, and watch it become everyone’s most-requested side—happy feasting!
Print
Cajun Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Mixing, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that combines tender pasta noodles, sweet peas, crispy bacon, and tangy parmesan cheese, all coated in a creamy, flavorful dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a satisfying side dish.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad:
- 12 oz small pasta noodles
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)
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cup frozen peas (thawed)
- 12 oz thick cut bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in a large pot until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- Prepare Ingredients: Thaw peas, cook and crumble bacon, grate parmesan cheese.
- Make Dressing: Combine mayonnaise, olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper in a bowl.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, mix pasta, peas, bacon, and parmesan. Pour dressing over and toss to coat.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate salad for 1-2 hours before serving or enjoy immediately.
Notes
- You can customize this salad by adding ingredients like cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, or shredded carrots.
- Adjust the seasonings in the dressing to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
