Name: Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe- Easy & Delicious Summer Side
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz small pasta noodles; 2 cups frozen peas, thawed; 12 oz thick-cut beef bacon, cooked and chopped; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 3/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, or to taste; 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Creamy Pasta Salad is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, and for good reason! It’s the perfect dish to bring to potlucks, barbecues, or simply to enjoy as a satisfying lunch. What is it about this seemingly simple combination that captures so many hearts? Perhaps it’s the delightful dance between tender pasta and a rich, velvety dressing that coats every piece. Or maybe it’s the endless possibilities for customization, allowing you to tailor it to your exact cravings. This isn’t just any creamy pasta salad; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors, designed to be both comforting and exciting. We’ve perfected a recipe that balances the classic elements you adore with a few thoughtful additions that elevate it from ordinary to extraordinary, ensuring everyone will be asking for the recipe.

Ingredients:

12 oz small pasta noodles (like rotini, farfalle, or elbow macaroni)
2 cups frozen peas, thawed
12 oz thick-cut beef beef bacon, cooked and chopped
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon granulated sugar, or to taste
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon onion powder, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. This is crucial for two reasons: the salt seasons the pasta from the inside out, and the boiling water ensures the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick together. Add the 12 ounces of small pasta noodles to the boiling water. Stir immediately to prevent them from clumping. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, usually for about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente – meaning it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in a pasta salad, so be mindful of the cooking time. Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, drain it thoroughly in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta; the starches left on the noodles will help the dressing adhere better. For an extra safeguard against sticking, you can toss the hot, drained pasta with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil while it’s still warm. This light coating will also add a subtle richness to the final dish.

Make the Creamy Dressing

While the pasta is cooking or cooling slightly, let’s get started on the creamy dressing, the heart of our Creamy Pasta Salad. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the 3/4 cup of mayonnaise. This forms the rich, creamy base. To this, add the 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. The vinegar provides a bright tangin extractess that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and balances the flavors beautifully. Next, stir in the 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar. The sugar is important for rounding out the flavors; it’s not about making the salad sweet, but rather about enhancing the other tastes and adding a subtle depth. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your preference, tasting as you go. Now, incorporate the seasonings. Add the 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. These spices are essential for building layers of savory flavor and adding a pleasant aroma. Whisk all these ingredients together vigorously until the dressing is smooth, well combined, and free of any lumps. Ensure the sugar and salt are fully dissolved. Taste the dressing at this stage and adjust seasonings if needed. Perhaps you want a little more tang, add another splash of vinegar. Prefer a stronger garlic note? Add a pinch more garlic powder.

Combine and Chill

Now comes the exciting pagin extract bringing all our delicious components together. In a large mixing bowl, gently add the cooked and drained pasta. To this, add the 2 cups of thawed frozen peas. Thawing them beforehand ensures they are tender and not icy when mixed into the salad. Next, add the 12 ounces of cooked and chopped thick-cut beef baconbacon. The crisbeef baconalty bacon is going to add wonderful texture and a savory depth that complements the creamy dressing. Finally, sprinkle in the 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Using freshly grated Parmesan makes a world of difference in flavor and texture compared to pre-grated varieties; it melts beautifully and offers a more intense, nutty taste. Pour the prepared creamy dressing over thbeef baconta, peas, bacon, and Parmesan cheese. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Be sure to reach the bottom of the bowl to ensure no ingredients are left undressed. You want every bite to be bursting with flavor and creaminess.

Marinate for Optimal Flavor

For the absolute best Creamy Pasta Salad experience, allowing the flavors to meld together is key. Once everything is thoroughly combined, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Place the covered pasta salad in the refrigerator. We recommend chilling it for at least 30 minutes, but for truly optimal flavor development, let it chill for 1-2 hours. During this time, the pasta will absorb some of the dressing, the peas will cool down and sbeef baconly soften, the bacon will lend its savory essence, and the dressing will thicken slightly, creating a more cohesive and intensely flavorful salad. This marinating period transforms a good pasta salad into a truly exceptional one. Before serving, give the pasta salad a gentle stir to redistribute any dressing that may have settled.

Serve and Enjoy

After its chilling period, your Creamy Pasta Salad is ready to be served! You can serve it as a side dish to grilled meats, barbecued chicken, or alongside a light soup. It’s also hearty enough to be a main course for a casual lunch or potluck. If you find the salad has become a little too thick after chilling, you can stir in an extra tablespoon or two of mayonnaise or a tiny splash of milk or water to achieve your desired consistency. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a pinch of fresh parsley if you have it on hand for a touch of color and freshness. This Creamy Pasta Salad is best enjoyed chilled, and its flavors often deepen and improve overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead dish for gatherings.

Conclusion:

You’ve now got all the tools to create a delightful batch of Creamy Pasta Salad! This recipe offers a wonderful balance of textures and flavors, making it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a summer barbecue, a potluck, or simply a weeknight dinner, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta, vegetables, and proteins to make this Creamy Pasta Salad uniquely yours. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touch! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious results. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Creamy Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, Creamy Pasta Salad often tastes even better when it has a chance to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.

What are some good protein additions to Creamy Pasta Salad?

You can easily elevate your Creamy Pasta Salad with added protein! Grilled chicken breast, shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked shrimp, flaked tuna, or even chickpeas would be fantastic additions. Just ensure they are fully cooked before mixing them in.

How long will Creamy Pasta Salad last in the refrigerator?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this Creamy Pasta Salad will typically stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 4 days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before consuming.