Creamy Bacon Pasta Salad

This creamy pasta salad is my go to dish when I need something crowd pleasing quick and a little indulgent. It is packed with comforting flavors creamy dressing and the best combination of salty bacon and sweet peas. Whether you are hosting a picnic or need a make ahead side for a potluck this salad always disappears fast.

I first whipped this up for a big family barbecue and even my picky uncle had seconds. It is now my signature summer salad and I am always asked for the recipe.

Ingredients

• Small pasta noodles: Pick a shape with lots of nooks like shells or rotini to hold the dressing
• Frozen peas: add natural sweetness and color look for bright green peas for best flavor
• Thick cut bacon: gives rich smoky crunch buy from the butcher counter if possible for thicker slices
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese: lends a salty nutty finish use a microplane for best texture
• Mayonnaise: the foundation of the creamy dressing go for full fat for richer flavor
• Olive oil: adds body and smoothness look for extra virgin for fruitier notes
• Apple cider vinegar: gives brightness and tang use raw unfiltered for more depth
• Granulated sugar: balances the vinegar just a little to highlight the flavors
• Salt: brings out all the ingredients use kosher for easier measuring
• Garlic powder: an easy way to add savoriness pick a fresh jar for best taste
• Onion powder: adds background warmth avoid clumpy or overly old powder
• Black pepper: gives a mellow heat fresh cracked makes a difference

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil then add the noodles and a generous pinch of salt. Stir and cook until just al dente about 1 minute less than the package says. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Toss the noodles gently to cool them completely and prevent sticking.

Prep the Mix Ins:

While the pasta is cooking thaw your frozen peas by placing them in a colander and running them under cool water for a minute. Cook the thick cut bacon until extra crispy then chop into small pieces using a sharp knife for best results. Finely grate the parmesan cheese so it will blend smoothly into the salad.

Make the Creamy Dressing:

In a medium mixing bowl combine mayonnaise olive oil apple cider vinegar sugar salt garlic powder onion powder and black pepper. Whisk the dressing thoroughly until everything is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the salt or sugar until balanced to your liking.

Assemble the Salad:

In a very large bowl add your cooled pasta peas crispy bacon and parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing evenly over everything. Using a soft spatula gently fold and toss until every noodle is coated and the mix ins are well distributed throughout.

Chill and Serve:

Cover the salad tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling melds the flavors and helps the dressing thicken. Serve cold straight from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving if you prefer a softer texture.

The salty bacon really stands out for me in every bite I love the crunch and depth it adds. Once my nephew helped me crisp up the bacon and it is now his favorite cooking job whenever we make this together.

Storage Tips

Chill the salad in an airtight container right after mixing so it stays fresh. Keep it in the coldest part of the fridge as the dressing can spoil if left out too long. If the salad seems dry after a day stir in a tablespoon of mayonnaise or olive oil to refresh the creaminess.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap the bacon for smoked turkey or roasted chickpeas if you want a lighter or vegetarian version. Greek yogurt can replace some or all of the mayonnaise for tang and less fat. Any short pasta shape works so use elbow macaroni fusilli or farfalle if that is what you have.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a hearty lunch with a cold tea or lemonade. It pairs perfectly with barbecue chicken grilled veggies or alongside burgers. I sometimes top it with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a touch of color and freshness right before serving.

Creamy Pasta Salad Through Time

Creamy pasta salads like this go back to classic American potlucks and picnics. The tradition of combining pasta with mayo based dressing started booming in the 1950s when convenience foods became popular. My grandmother told me she learned to make her version from a neighbor at a church social and added bacon for extra flavor.

Seasonal Adaptations

Add fresh cherry tomatoes in late summer Use roasted butternut squash cubes in the fall Stir in blanched asparagus or chopped fresh herbs in the spring

Success Stories

My friend brought this pasta salad to her new job’s potluck and everyone kept asking for the recipe. Another neighbor substituted pancetta for bacon and said it was a massive hit at her family reunion. I have even seen kids sneak forkfuls straight from the fridge before dinner.

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can make the dressing and bacon ahead and freeze them in separate containers. The pasta and peas do not freeze as well but you can prep everything else in advance and just assemble fresh noodles before serving. This makes it very convenient when you want to quickly toss a salad together for a group.

Make this creamy pasta salad once and you will have a go to side for any occasion. Its rich flavors and simple prep mean it is always a crowd favorite.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to swap for rotini, penne, or shells. Choose a shape that holds dressing well for best texture.

→ What can I substitute for bacon?

You can use turkey bacon, vegetarian bacon, or simply omit it. Roasted chickpeas or toasted nuts add crunch and protein.

→ Should the peas be cooked or just thawed?

Just thaw the frozen peas; cooking is unnecessary, as they'll stay sweet and tender with a quick rinse or as they chill with the pasta.

→ How early can I prepare this dish?

This salad holds up well if made up to a day in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator, and stir before serving for best results.

→ Is it possible to lighten the dressing?

Yes, substitute part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or light mayo. Add lemon juice for extra zing if you like.