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Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Potlucks

Enjoy this Creamy Pasta Salad, a versatile side dish perfect for potlucks, featuring delicious bacon and peas.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Small Pasta Noodles Any small pasta like bow ties or shells
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Can be substituted with corn or diced bell peppers
  • 6 oz Thick Cut Bacon Turkey bacon can be used as a lighter option
  • 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Feta can be used for a tangy variation
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter base
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar White wine vinegar is a substitute
  • 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar Adjust to taste or omit
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Adjust to taste

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Skillet
  • Medium bowl
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the small pasta noodles and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water until cooled.
  2. Thaw the frozen peas under running cold water for 2-3 minutes. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, 5-7 minutes. Let it cool and crumble. Grate the Parmesan cheese.
  3. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, thawed peas, crumbled bacon, and grated cheese. Stir together gently.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and fold in to coat all ingredients evenly.
  6. Cover with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Chill for at least 1-2 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Chilling enhances flavors. Adjust dressing based on thickness after chilling. Prepare a day in advance for best results.

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