Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe
If you’re craving a crowd-pleasing dish that sparks pure happiness at the table, you can’t go wrong with Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad. This irresistible salad is all about contrasts—cool, pillowy pasta shells, smoky-salty bacon, sweet pops of peas, and a silky Parmesan dressing that brings everything together. Whether it’s a sunny backyard BBQ or a cozy weeknight dinner, this vibrant bowl is a guaranteed favorite. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll be dreaming up excuses to make it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it refreshingly simple, but every ingredient genuinely earns its spot. From the lush Parmesan to bright peas and golden bacon, each piece brings color, crunch, and loads of flavor to your Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad.
- Pasta shell noodles: The perfect shape for catching creamy dressing and peas in every bite; stick to salad shells for the best texture.
- Thick-cut bacon (diced): Thick bacon yields extra crispy, meaty bites that don’t disappear into the mix.
- Frozen peas (thawed): Their sweetness and pop of color make the salad feel fresh and lively—just thaw, no need to cook.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Grating your own makes for a meltier, more flavorful result than using pre-shredded.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of the dressing, it pulls everything together for that classic tangy richness.
- Olive oil: Adds silkiness to the dressing and keeps the pasta shells from sticking.
- Apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice): You need a splash of acid for balance and brightness—pick your favorite!
- Granulated sugar: Just a hint to cut the savory intensity and make the flavors sing.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the salad itself—don’t skimp!
- Black pepper: Freshly ground if possible for a little warmth and bite.
- Garlic powder: A subtle umami lift that melds seamlessly in the dressing.
- Onion powder: Adds gentle savoriness and rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Bacon
Start by bringing a big, salted pot of water to a lively boil. Pour in your shell pasta and cook until just al dente—check it early! While the pasta bubbles away, crisp up all that diced thick-cut bacon in a wide skillet. Go for golden-brown and crunchy; the aroma alone will guarantee everyone drifts into the kitchen to check what you’re up to. Once both are done, set them aside and get ready for the fun part.
Step 2: Drain and Cool the Pasta
When the shells are perfectly cooked, drain them right away, then rinse under cold running water to cool them down quickly and keep them from cooking further. Drizzle over a bit of olive oil and toss gently—that little sheen not only keeps each bite separate but also lets the creamy dressing cling seductively later.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Creamy Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You’ll end up with a thick, zippy dressing with plenty of flavor—set aside about 1/3 cup so you can refresh your salad later if it tightens up in the fridge.
Step 4: Toss It All Together
Grab your biggest mixing bowl. Add the cooled pasta shells, crisp bacon, and bright green peas. Pour most of the creamy dressing over the top and toss everything gently (but thoroughly!) to coat. Finally, sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan and give it one last toss. Cover the bowl tightly and let it chill for a couple of hours to let the flavors meld and the texture turn ultra-luscious.
How to Serve Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad
Garnishes
For a finishing flourish, sprinkle extra Parmesan over the top and scatter a few torn fresh basil or parsley leaves. A grind of black pepper or a handful of crispy bacon bits makes it look just as tempting as it tastes. You’ll love how these little touches elevate the Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad to center stage.
Side Dishes
This salad is endlessly versatile. Pair it up with grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or a slab of garlic bread for a complete meal. If you’re hosting, consider a simple green salad or crunchy vegetable platter on the side—they contrast the creamy pasta salad beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve the Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad in individual mason jars for picnics and lunchboxes, or pile it high in a vintage glass bowl for potlucks. For parties, fill crispy lettuce cups or stuff mini bell peppers for bite-sized color and flavor explosions!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad holds up well in the fridge, thanks to its sturdy dressing and hearty ingredients. Store in an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh for up to three days. Give it a good toss, and add in a bit of reserved dressing if it gets a little dry—voilà, good as new!
Freezing
While you technically can freeze this pasta salad, cream-based dressings and peas don’t love the freezer. The texture just won’t be as luscious after thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This is a cold pasta salad, so reheating isn’t recommended. If you’ve brought it out of the fridge and it’s a bit firm, just let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to take the chill off, and add a splash of that reserved dressing to revive the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While shell pasta catches all the creamy goodness, rotini, penne, or even macaroni will work well. Just avoid very delicate shapes that might break apart after mixing.
Can I use turkey bacon or make it vegetarian?
You can swap in turkey bacon if you like a lighter option, or skip the bacon entirely and try diced smoked almonds or roasted chickpeas for crunch if you’re after a vegetarian twist.
What’s the best way to thaw frozen peas?
Pour frozen peas into a sieve and run under cold water for a few minutes—no cooking needed! Dry thoroughly before adding so the salad isn’t watery.
How can I make this Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad lighter?
For a lighter take, use light mayonnaise or substitute some of the mayo with thick Greek yogurt. You’ll still get that lovely creamy texture, plus a bit of extra tang.
Is it okay to make Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad the night before?
Definitely! This salad actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge. Just save a bit of dressing to stir in before serving so every bite stays perfectly creamy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s playful, comforting, and bursting with flavors, make Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad your next kitchen adventure! It’s a recipe that always wins rave reviews, and once you serve it, you’ll understand why it never lasts long. Grab your favorite pasta, crisp up some bacon, and have some fun—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The creamy dressing, crispy bacon, sweet peas, and tangy parmesan cheese come together to create a perfect side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad:
- 12 oz pasta shell noodles (salad shells)
Dressing:
- 1 lb. thick-cut bacon (diced)
- 2 cup frozen peas (thawed)
- 2/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or fresh squeezed lemon juice)
- 1 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- 3/4 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Cook the diced bacon in a skillet until crispy.
- Prepare Ingredients: Drain and cool the pasta, then toss with olive oil. Mix all dressing ingredients, reserving some for later.
- Combine: In a bowl, combine pasta, bacon, peas, and dressing. Add parmesan cheese and chill before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Creamy Pea Bacon Pasta Salad, Pasta Salad Recipe, Bacon Pasta Salad
