Name: Bacon Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces elbow macaroni; 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; Salt and pepper to taste

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This Bacon Pasta Salad is the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and tangy flavors. The crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch to the tender pasta, while the tangy dressing brings everything together into a mouthwatering, satisfying dish. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, picnic, or casual dinner, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

With just a few simple ingredients, including fresh tomatoes, red onion, and a zesty homemade dressing, this dish is both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy days when you need a quick and tasty meal or side dish.

Full Recipe:

8 ounces elbow macaroni
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Any Occasion

Pasta salad is one of the most versatile dishes that can be tailored to any gathering, from casual family dinners to elaborate party spreads. One of the standout pasta salads, which has earned a beloved spot in many kitchens, is the Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad. This dish combines the savory richness of crispy bacon, the sweetness of peas, and the creamy tanginess of a simple dressing. Not only does it deliver on flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for anyone looking to create a dish that will impress guests without taking up too much time in the kitchen.

Why Choose Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad?

1. Minimal Prep Time

One of the biggest draws of this pasta salad is how quickly it comes together. In just 20 minutes, you can prepare a dish that will leave your guests asking for the recipe. There’s no need for complex chopping or long cooking times; the dish comes together effortlessly by combining a few simple ingredients.

2. Perfect for Parties

Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or attending a larger event, this salad is an ideal choice. Its vibrant colors, rich textures, and savory flavor make it an instant crowd-pleaser. The combination of crispy bacon, peas, and freshly grated parmesan not only enhances the flavor but also adds visual appeal to your table.

3. Balanced Flavors and Textures

This recipe excels at balancing rich, savory flavors with a hint of sweetness. The bacon brings in the umami and crispy texture, while the peas provide a burst of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the salty dressing. The creamy dressing coats the pasta perfectly, ensuring that every bite is satisfying.

4. No Need for Chopping

Unlike many pasta salad recipes that require hours of prep or the chopping of various vegetables, this recipe skips that step. The ingredients are simple—bacon, peas, parmesan, and a creamy dressing—allowing for a quick and stress-free cooking experience.

Key Ingredients That Make This Recipe Stand Out

Pasta Shells (Salad Shells)
The choice of pasta is crucial in ensuring the perfect texture for your salad. Shell-shaped pasta is perfect because its shape allows the creamy dressing to cling to the pasta, enhancing each bite. You can use any small pasta, but shells or elbow macaroni are ideal for this dish.
Crispy Bacon
Bacon brings a crispy, savory, and umami-filled richness that is hard to beat. It adds not only flavor but also a satisfying texture to the dish. Be sure to cook it until it’s perfectly crispy so it retains its crunch even when mixed with the creamy dressing.
Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated parmesan cheese is an essential ingredient that elevates this pasta salad. It adds sharp, nutty notes that balance the creamy dressing and complement the bacon perfectly. Avoid using pre-grated cheese, as it lacks the depth of flavor that fresh parmesan provides.
Frozen Peas
The sweet burst of peas contrasts beautifully with the salty bacon and adds a bit of texture. Using frozen peas is convenient and ensures you can prepare this dish even when fresh peas aren’t in season.
The Creamy Dressing
The dressing for this pasta salad is incredibly simple yet packs a punch. Made with mayonnaise, vinegar (or lemon juice), olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a touch of sugar, it brings a creamy, tangy finish to the salad that ties all the ingredients together. The key is balancing the acidity with the creaminess to create the perfect coat for the pasta.

Step-by-Step Methodology for Making Bacon Pasta Salad

While detailed instructions aren’t necessary, it’s worth noting that the process for preparing this pasta salad is streamlined and quick. Here’s an overview of how you can make this easy yet delicious dish:

Cook the Pasta and Bacon: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, and cook the bacon until it reaches a crispy texture.
Prepare the Dressing: Mix all the dressing ingredients and whisk until smooth. Make sure to reserve some dressing for later use when refreshing the pasta salad.
Combine: Toss the pasta, bacon, peas, and dressing together in a large bowl. Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan for added flavor and texture.
Chill and Serve: Let the salad chill for a few hours before serving. The flavors meld together as it sits, making each bite even more delicious.

Tips for a Perfect Pasta Salad

Use Extra Dressing: A common issue with pasta salads is that the dressing can get absorbed by the pasta as it sits in the refrigerator. To avoid this, reserve some dressing and toss it into the salad just before serving to keep it creamy and moist.
Adjust Seasoning to Taste: The amount of salt, pepper, and sugar can be adjusted according to your preferences. A little bit of extra sugar can balance out the tang of the vinegar, and additional seasoning can enhance the overall flavor of the salad.
Add Variety: While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, feel free to experiment with other ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, olives, or red onions to suit your taste.
Make Ahead: This pasta salad can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to develop further. Just be sure to add a bit of reserved dressing before serving to refresh the salad.

Why This Recipe is Ideal for Different Occasions

Perfect for Summer BBQs and Picnics
This creamy bacon pasta salad is perfect for outdoor events. Whether you’re attending a summer BBQ, picnic, or potluck, it’s the type of dish that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. The light yet rich flavors are ideal for warm weather, offering a satisfying and cooling option among heavier dishes.

Great for Parties and Gatherings
This dish is a hit at parties because it’s easy to prepare in large batches, and it keeps well when made ahead of time. You can make it the night before and simply chill until it’s time to serve, making it a convenient and crowd-pleasing dish. People love the combination of creamy, crispy, and savory elements that make this pasta salad stand out.

Family-Friendly Meal
If you’re cooking for a family, this pasta salad is a great option. It’s simple, quick, and appeals to both adults and children alike. The bacon and cheese are especially popular with younger guests, making it a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.

Conclusion

The Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad is a fantastic recipe to add to your repertoire, offering a blend of rich and tangy flavors in a single, easy-to-make dish. With its minimal prep time, no-chop ingredients, and bold taste, it’s the perfect side dish for any event, whether casual or formal. The bacon and peas create an irresistible texture contrast, while the creamy dressing ties everything together in a way that will leave your guests craving more.

If you’re looking for a pasta salad that can be quickly thrown together without compromising on flavor or presentation, this recipe is a great choice. It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and deliciousness, guaranteed to please every palate and make you the star of your next gathering.

Enjoy creating this crowd-pleasing dish and watch as it becomes the talk of the table at your next party!

Bacon Pasta Salad

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Author: Alice
Total Time: 20 minutes

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Description

Ingredients

Units Scale

8 ounces elbow macaroni
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes