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Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad – The Ultimate Side for Any Gathering

Creamy Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of pasta, crispy bacon, and fresh peas, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Small Pasta Noodles Can substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta
For the Mix-Ins
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Thawed
  • 6 ounces Thick Cut Bacon Cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Can substitute with feta or nutritional yeast
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Can substitute with Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil Can substitute with avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar Can substitute with white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar Adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Can use freshly minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Can use freshly minced onion

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add small pasta noodles and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Thaw frozen peas in a small bowl. Cook thick-cut bacon in a skillet until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Crumble the bacon once cooled and grate parmesan cheese.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, peas, crumbled bacon, and parmesan cheese. Pour dressing over and gently stir until evenly mixed.
  5. Cover with plastic wrap or lid and chill in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 10gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Prepare a day in advance for best flavor. Adjust salt, sugar, or acidity to taste.

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