Description
This creamy pasta salad is a rich, tangy, and crowd-pleasing side dish featuring tender noodles, peas, crispy bacon, and a homemade dressing.
Ingredients
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12 oz small pasta (rotini, shells, or farfalle)
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2 cups frozen peas, thawed
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12 oz beef or turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
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½ cup grated parmesan cheese
For the Dressing:
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¾ cup mayonnaise
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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1 tsp sugar (to taste)
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1 tsp salt (to taste)
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
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Cook pasta until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and pat dry.
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Thaw peas, cook and crumble bacon, and grate cheese.
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In a small bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth.
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In a large bowl, mix pasta, peas, bacon, and parmesan.
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Pour dressing over the top and stir to combine.
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Chill for 1–2 hours for best flavor or serve immediately.
Notes
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Use fresh parmesan for best taste.
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Chill for at least 1 hour for better flavor.
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Add-ins like cherry tomatoes or cucumber work well.
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Swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boil, Mix, Chill
- Cuisine: American