Creamy Pasta Salad

This Creamy Pasta Salad is a delightful dish filled with vibrant peas, crispy Turkey Bacon, and tender noodles, all enveloped in a rich dressing. It’s an ideal complement for any dinner table, potluck, or summer barbecue. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a standout choice that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This creamy pasta salad can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or add grilled chicken for a complete meal. Its flavor works well with various cuisines!
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its creamy texture and savory ingredients, this dish appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfectly chill in the fridge for 1–2 hours before serving, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand; it’s adaptable to your taste!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make preparing your creamy pasta salad even easier. Below are essential items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Serving spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the pasta evenly and thoroughly.
• Colander: Helps drain excess water from the pasta after cooking.
• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to easily combine all ingredients without making a mess.
• Whisk: Useful for mixing the dressing evenly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Ingredients

This creamy pasta salad is loaded with peas, crispy Turkey Bacon, and noodles, all covered in a smooth and creamy dressing. It’s a perfect side dish for any dinner, potluck, or barbecue.

For the Pasta Salad

• 12 oz small pasta noodles
• 2 cup frozen peas (thawed)
• 12 oz thick cut Turkey Bacon (cooked and chopped)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

For the Dressing

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 TBS olive oil
• 1 TBS apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp granulated sugar (to taste)
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp onion powder (to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (to taste)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Creamy Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook the pasta noodles in a large pot of water according to their package directions until al dente. Drain the water out and rinse the noodles under cold water.

Step 2: Prepare Other Ingredients

While the pasta is cooking:
1. Ensure that the peas are thawed.
2. Cook and chop the Turkey Bacon into bite-sized pieces.
3. Grate the parmesan cheese.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl:
– Combine mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
– Whisk together until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Add cooked pasta, thawed peas, chopped Turkey Bacon, and grated parmesan cheese.
2. Pour the dressing over everything.
3. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with dressing.

Step 5: Chill or Serve

Cover the pasta salad with a lid or plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge to chill for 1 to 2 hours before serving or serve immediately if you can’t wait!

How to Serve Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or enjoying a casual dinner, here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

As a Side Dish

• Pair it with grilled chicken for a wholesome meal.
• Serve alongside BBQ ribs to complement the smoky flavors.

In Individual Cups

• Use small cups for easy serving at parties; it makes a great finger food.
• Perfect for picnics, allowing guests to grab and go.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and color.
• Add chives on top for a mild onion taste that enhances the dish.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve over mixed greens to create a refreshing salad.
• Add sliced cucumbers and tomatoes for extra crunch and nutrition.

How to Perfect Creamy Pasta Salad

To make your creamy pasta salad truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

• Cook pasta al dente: This ensures the noodles hold their shape and don’t become mushy in the salad.
• Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge enhances the flavors. Aim for at least 1 hour.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste the dressing before mixing; add more salt or pepper as needed for perfect flavor.
• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to include diced bell peppers, olives, or even jalapeños for an extra kick.
• Use quality mayonnaise: A good mayonnaise makes all the difference in achieving that creamy texture.
• Make it ahead: Prepare your salad a day in advance. The flavors meld beautifully overnight.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy pasta salad pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some of the best options to serve alongside it.

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky, this classic BBQ side adds a burst of flavor.
2. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing bite.
3. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, these are perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing.
4. Fruit Salad: A light and sweet option that balances out the richness of the pasta salad.
5. Coleslaw: Crunchy and tangy, coleslaw complements creamy dishes well.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender offer both health benefits and flavorful contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a creamy pasta salad, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Not cooling the pasta: If you don’t cool the pasta after cooking, it will continue to cook and become mushy. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.

• Skipping seasoning: Failing to season your dish can lead to bland flavors. Make sure to taste your dressing and adjust the salt and pepper before mixing it with the pasta.

• Using low-quality ingredients: The flavor of your creamy pasta salad depends on the quality of your ingredients. Choose fresh produce, good mayonnaise, and thick-cut Turkey Bacon for the best results.

• Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can make your pasta salad soggy. Start with less dressing and add more if needed after mixing.

• Not chilling long enough: Serving immediately may not allow the flavors to meld properly. Chill your salad for at least 1 hour for the best taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the creamy pasta salad in a separate container from any crunchy toppings, like bacon or croutons.

Freezing Creamy Pasta Salad

• Freezing is not recommended as it may change the texture of the ingredients.
• If you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month.

Reheating Creamy Pasta Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and place in an oven-safe dish for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water or olive oil in a pan over low heat, stirring gently until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Creamy Pasta Salad different?

This creamy pasta salad stands out due to its combination of crispy Turkey Bacon and fresh peas, which add both texture and flavor.

Can I customize my Creamy Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes, or substitute different proteins such as diced chicken.

How do I make this recipe healthier?

To make a healthier version of this creamy pasta salad, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.

Is this Creamy Pasta Salad suitable for potlucks?

Yes! This creamy pasta salad is perfect for potlucks as it serves many people and can be made ahead of time.

Final Thoughts

This creamy pasta salad is not only delicious but also highly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re serving it at a barbecue or enjoying it as a side dish during dinner, it’s sure to be a hit. Try making this recipe today!

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Creamy Pasta Salad

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Creamy Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will elevate any meal. Featuring tender small pasta, vibrant peas, and crispy Turkey Bacon, all enveloped in a rich creamy dressing, this salad is perfect for potlucks, summer barbecues, or as a side dish for your family dinner. With its quick preparation time and versatile ingredients, you can whip it up in just 30 minutes or customize it to suit your preferences. Chill for an hour to let the flavors meld beautifully, and serve it cold for a refreshing delight that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz small pasta noodles
• 2 cups frozen peas (thawed)
• 12 oz thick-cut Turkey Bacon (cooked and chopped)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water.
2. Prepare peas, cook and chop Turkey Bacon, and grate parmesan cheese.
3. In a bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients until smooth.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, peas, Turkey Bacon, parmesan cheese, then pour dressing over and mix gently.
5. Chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours before serving or enjoy immediately.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 30mg