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–+ servings
Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad That Will Delight Your Summer Gatherings

Enjoy a delightful Creamy Pasta Salad—easily customizable, quick to prepare, and perfect for summer gatherings.
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: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Small Pasta Noodles Can substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas (thawed) Can substitute with corn or chopped bell peppers.
  • 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Can substitute with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can be replaced with any neutral oil.
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar Can substitute with white vinegar or lemon juice.
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar Adjust to taste or replace with honey for a natural sweetener.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to personal preference or omit.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Can replace with fresh minced garlic for a stronger taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Can be substituted with fresh onion (diced) for more texture.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust quantity to taste.
For the Protein
  • 6 slices Thick Cut Bacon (cooked and chopped) Can use turkey bacon or omit for a vegetarian version.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Skillet
  • medium bowl
  • Large Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the small pasta noodles and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, cook the thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Crumble the bacon. Thaw the peas under warm water and grate the Parmesan cheese.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, thawed peas, crumbled bacon, and Parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over and stir gently to coat.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to meld flavors, or serve immediately if time is short.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 5mg

Notes

Chilling the salad enhances flavor; consider adding fresh herbs for extra freshness and presentation.

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