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Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad: A Refreshing Twist for Your Potluck

This Creamy Pasta Salad offers a delightful combination of sweet peas, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing, making it perfect for potlucks.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill 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 Pasta Salad
  • 8 oz Small Pasta Noodles like rotini or farfalle
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas thawed
  • 6 slices Thick Cut Bacon cooked and chopped
  • 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil omit for a lighter dressing
  • 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar omit for less sweetness
  • 1 tsp Salt adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper adjust to taste

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Prepare the Peas and Bacon: Thaw peas. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy (6-8 minutes). Drain and crumble.
  3. Combine the Pasta Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, thawed peas, and Parmesan cheese.
  4. Make the Creamy Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
  5. Combine Pasta and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and mix gently to coat evenly.
  6. Chill Before Serving: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to let flavors meld.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Stir before serving and garnish with additional Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 540mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 6mg

Notes

This pasta salad is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or light summer meals. It's easily customizable to suit your taste.

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