Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe Everyone Will Love

Creamy pasta salad is the perfect combination of comfort and convenience, making it a go-to dish for all sorts of gatherings. Whether you’re planning a laid-back dinner, attending a potluck, or grilling up some burgers at a backyard barbecue, this pasta salad is sure to be a crowd favorite. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: tender noodles, sweet peas, crispy bacon, and a creamy, tangy dressing that brings it all together. It’s a balanced, delicious side that pairs effortlessly with almost any main course.

The appeal of this creamy pasta salad is undeniable—it’s loaded with flavor and texture. The creamy dressing coats every bite, while the bacon adds a satisfying crunch, and the peas offer a sweet contrast. Best of all, it’s super easy to whip up and perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pasta Salad

What makes this creamy pasta salad stand out is its incredible flavor profile. The creamy dressing, rich with mayonnaise and a hint of vinegar, is the perfect backdrop to the crispy bacon and sweet, vibrant peas. These ingredients come together harmoniously, offering a delightful bite each time.

The best part? It’s quick and simple to make! In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a dish that feels gourmet but requires minimal effort. Plus, you can customize it with different mix-ins to suit your tastes—whether that’s adding extra vegetables, proteins, or a different cheese. It’s an incredibly versatile recipe, making it a staple for parties, potlucks, or any casual dinner.

Essential Ingredients for a Creamy Pasta Salad

• 12 oz small pasta noodles (like rotini, shells, or farfalle)
• 2 cups 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 (adjust 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)

How to Make the Perfect Creamy Pasta Salad

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
2. Prepare the ingredients: While the pasta is cooking, thaw the peas, cook and crumble the bacon, and grate the parmesan cheese. Set everything aside.
3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste if needed.
4. Combine everything: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, peas, bacon, and parmesan cheese. Pour the creamy dressing over the mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill: For the best flavor, cover the pasta salad and refrigerate it for 1 to 2 hours before serving. If you’re short on time, it can be served immediately, though chilling enhances the flavors.

Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta Salad (and Fun Variations!)

Make Ahead: Prepare the pasta salad in advance and store it in the fridge. Add the bacon and a little extra dressing right before serving to keep the bacon crispy and the salad fresh.

Pasta Choice: Opt for medium-sized pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle, or shells. These shapes hold the dressing well and add more texture to each bite.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta until it’s al dente, as overcooking can make it mushy when combined with the creamy dressing.

Mix-in Ideas

Vegetables: Try adding corn, diced bell peppers, chopped carrots, or fresh cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor.

Protein: You can easily make this dish heartier by adding cubed chicken, ham, or even a handful of cooked shrimp.

Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, havarti, or white cheddar for added richness.

Other Additions: Hard-boiled eggs, sunflower seeds, and green onions are great choices for extra flavor and crunch.

Dressing Adjustments: If you like your pasta salad a little tangier, add more vinegar. For extra creaminess, make some extra dressing on the side.

Dressing Adjustments: If you like your pasta salad a little tangier, add more vinegar. For extra creaminess, make some extra dressing on the side.

Substitutions: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, chickpea pasta works well as a substitute. You can also use sour cream instead of mayonnaise for a slightly tangier dressing—just adjust the seasonings accordingly.

Serving Bacon: To keep the bacon crispy, add it just before serving. This prevents it from becoming soggy in the dressing.

Taste the Dressing: Don’t forget to taste the dressing before mixing it into the pasta. Adjust the seasonings to your preference for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy pasta salad is the ideal side dish to serve alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or even a light salad. It complements main dishes with its rich, creamy texture and can be enjoyed as a filling lunch or a refreshing side for dinner.

It’s also a fantastic option for potlucks, barbecues, or picnic gatherings. Its versatility means it pairs well with just about any meal, and it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any event.

Other Recipes You Might Like

• Buffalo Chicken Salad
• Carrot Raisin Salad
• Apple Feta Spinach Salad
• Carrot Raisin Salad
• Apple Feta Spinach Salad

Conclusion

This creamy pasta salad is one of those dishes that never disappoint. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or taking it to a potluck, it’s always a hit. With its rich, creamy dressing, crispy bacon, and sweet peas, it’s a side dish that offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Plus, its versatility means you can adjust it to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.

Once you’ve tried this recipe, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. The next time you’re looking for a quick and delicious side dish, look no further than this creamy pasta salad—your taste buds will thank you!

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