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–+ servings
Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Potluck Side Everyone Loves

This Creamy Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for potlucks, featuring peas, crispy bacon, and a rich dressing.
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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: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 8 ounces Small Pasta Noodles Your choice of pasta
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Thawed
For the Crunch
  • 6 slices Thick Cut Bacon Cooked and chopped
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Grated cheddar is an alternative
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt is a lighter option
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with other oils
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar White wine vinegar can be used
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar Can be omitted if desired
Spices for Flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh garlic is optional
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Fresh chopped onion can be used
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Season to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, add pasta, and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water.
  2. Prepare the Peas and Bacon: Thaw peas. Cook bacon in skillet until crispy (6-8 minutes). Crumble and set aside with peas.
  3. Make the Creamy Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
  4. Combine the Ingredients: In a bowl, mix cooled pasta, peas, crumbled bacon, and Parmesan cheese. Toss gently.
  5. Dress the Salad: Pour creamy dressing over pasta mixture and fold gently to coat evenly.
  6. Chill Before Serving: Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to meld flavors before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. Add extra dressing if it thickens overnight.

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