This Creamy Bacon Pasta Salad is the ultimate combination of smoky, crispy bacon, tender pasta, and a luxuriously creamy dressing. Every bite is packed with texture and flavor, from the sweetness of peas to the salty richness of Parmesan. It’s a dish that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make!
Perfect for summer BBQs, family dinners, or potluck gatherings, this pasta salad is both a comfort food classic and a versatile side dish. Serve it chilled for a refreshing bite or alongside grilled meats for a hearty meal. One thing’s for sure it’ll be the first dish to disappear at any table!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz small pasta noodles (such as rotini, shells, or farfalle)
- 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 12 oz thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
For the Creamy Dressing:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp granulated sugar (to taste)
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Directions:
- Cook the pasta noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- While the pasta cooks, ensure the peas are thawed, cook the bacon until crispy, and crumble it into small pieces.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, thawed peas, crumbled bacon, and grated Parmesan.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld, or serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 379 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
Creamy Bacon Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish
When it comes to side dishes that are both easy to prepare and incredibly flavorful, few things can compete with a well-made pasta salad. This Creamy Bacon Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of rich, creamy dressing, crispy bacon, sweet peas, and tender pasta. It’s a dish that is guaranteed to be a hit at BBQs, potlucks, picnics, or even as a quick and satisfying meal on its own.
Why This Pasta Salad Stands Out
Pasta salads come in many varieties, but what makes this one particularly special is its balance of flavors and textures. The combination of smoky bacon with a luscious, tangy dressing creates a savory and slightly sweet taste that’s hard to resist. Unlike many store-bought pasta salads, which can be overly heavy or bland, this homemade version has a perfect balance of creaminess, saltiness, and freshness.
The dressing itself is made with mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a blend of simple seasonings that elevate the entire dish. The vinegar adds a subtle tang, while the garlic and onion powders enhance the overall depth of flavor. Instead of just being a sauce, the dressing coats every ingredient beautifully, making each bite deliciously satisfying.
The Perfect Side Dish for Any Occasion
One of the best things about this Creamy Bacon Pasta Salad is its versatility. It works wonderfully as a side dish for grilled meats like BBQ chicken, steak, or burgers, but it’s also hearty enough to be enjoyed as a light meal on its own. Because it’s served chilled, it’s particularly refreshing on warm days, making it an excellent choice for summer gatherings, cookouts, and picnics.
Moreover, it’s easy to prepare in advance, which makes it ideal for hosting. You can make it a few hours before your event and store it in the refrigerator until it’s time to serve. The flavors meld together as it sits, making it even tastier over time.
Customizing Your Pasta Salad
One of the best aspects of this recipe is how customizable it is. While the combination of bacon, peas, and Parmesan is already delicious, you can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few great ideas for variations:
- Vegetable Add-Ins: If you want to add more crunch and color to your pasta salad, consider mixing in diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, or shredded carrots.
- Protein Boost: While bacon already adds some protein, you can make this a more filling dish by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or cubed ham.
- Cheese Options: Parmesan adds a nutty, savory flavor, but you can also use feta for a tangy twist, cheddar for a richer taste, or mozzarella for a milder creaminess.
- Dressing Variations: If you want a different dressing, you can swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or add a bit of Dijon mustard for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Store and Serve
Since this pasta salad is served cold, it’s important to let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This helps the flavors blend together and ensures that the dressing fully coats each ingredient. If you plan to make it ahead of time, you can prepare everything except the bacon, storing it separately and adding it just before serving to keep it crispy.
For best results, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, though you may need to stir in a bit more dressing before serving, as pasta tends to absorb the sauce over time.
Pairing Suggestions
While this Creamy Bacon Pasta Salad is delicious on its own, it pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Grilled Meats: Serve it alongside BBQ ribs, grilled steak, or honey mustard chicken for a well-rounded meal.
- Sandwiches & Burgers: This pasta salad makes an excellent side for cheeseburgers, pulled pork sandwiches, or even a classic BLT.
- Seafood Dishes: The creamy, smoky flavors complement seafood like grilled salmon, shrimp skewers, or crispy fish fillets.
- Vegetarian Options: If you’re serving vegetarian guests, you can prepare a meat-free version of this salad and pair it with grilled portobello mushrooms or a hearty veggie burger.
Why This Recipe Will Become a Staple in Your Kitchen
There’s something special about a recipe that can bring people together, and this pasta salad is exactly that. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a summer party or just making a quick weeknight meal, it’s the kind of dish that everyone loves.
- It’s easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious dish ready in under 30 minutes.
- It’s full of flavor: The smoky bacon, creamy dressing, and perfectly cooked pasta create a mouthwatering combination.
- It’s flexible: You can adjust the ingredients to fit your personal preferences or dietary needs.
- It stores well: Make it in advance, and you’ll have a tasty meal or side dish ready whenever you need it.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive dish that works for any occasion, this Creamy Bacon Pasta Salad is a must-try. With its rich, creamy texture, crispy bacon bits, and fresh bursts of peas, it’s a recipe that delivers on both taste and convenience. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish or a standalone meal, this pasta salad is sure to become a family favorite.
So, the next time you’re planning a BBQ, picnic, or weeknight dinner, give this recipe a try you won’t be disappointed!