A creamy pasta salad brings irresistible comfort to any table, making it the perfect sidekick for family dinners, potlucks, and backyard barbecues. This creamy pasta salad is packed with savory bacon, tender peas, and al dente noodles—all tossed in a luscious homemade dressing.
With just a handful of everyday ingredients and a silky texture, it balances richness and freshness in every bite. It’s satisfying enough to be the star of your next gathering or a crowd-pleasing side.
Key Players in This Creamy Pasta Salad
- Small pasta noodles – A sturdy, bite-sized pasta like rotini or shells provides the perfect base to hold the creamy dressing.
- Frozen peas – These sweet pops of green offer a fresh contrast and vibrant color, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.
- Thick-cut bacon – Cooked until crispy, it adds a smoky crunch that elevates the salad’s flavor and texture.
- Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated for the best taste, it infuses the dish with a nutty, salty depth that ties the creamy components together.
How to Make It Happen: Creamy Pasta Salad Steps
Cook your pasta just right—firm but tender. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down.
While it cooks, crisp up the bacon, thaw the peas, and prep your parmesan. Whisk together a quick dressing of mayo, olive oil, vinegar, and spices.
Toss everything together in a large bowl until fully coated. Let it chill in the fridge, or serve it immediately for a fresher flavor.
Creamy, Crunchy, and Customizable: Recipe Tips & Ideas
This pasta salad is all about balance and texture, so don’t skip rinsing the pasta—it prevents clumping and keeps the salad light. If you want a tangier twist, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a spoonful of Dijon mustard to the dressing.
Try substituting the peas with chopped bell peppers or diced cucumbers for a crunchier bite. For extra richness, mix in a handful of shredded cheddar or swap half the mayo for sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Vegetarian? Simply skip the bacon or replace it with smoked almonds or roasted chickpeas for a crunchy, savory bite.
Keep It Fresh: Storing Your Pasta Salad Like a Pro
Store any leftover creamy pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If it dries out a bit, stir in a tablespoon of mayo or a splash of olive oil before serving to bring back the creaminess.
Freezing isn’t recommended, as the dressing may separate and affect texture once thawed. For best flavor and texture, serve cold and fresh.
Creamy Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 12 oz thick cut bacon cooked and chopped
- 2 cup frozen peas thawed
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 12 oz small pasta noodles
- For the Creamy Dressing:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp granulated sugar to taste
- 1 TBS apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper to taste
- 2 TBS olive oil
- 1 tsp salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder to taste
- 1/2 tsp onion powder to taste
Instructions
- Boil the pasta in a large pot of water, following the package instructions until the noodles reach an al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to halt further cooking.
- As the pasta cooks, ensure the peas are thawed, the bacon is crisped and chopped, and the parmesan is grated and ready.
- In a separate, smaller bowl, combine the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture becomes a smooth, cohesive dressing.
- Transfer the cooked pasta, peas, bacon, and grated parmesan to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the top and stir until all components are evenly coated.
- Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid, refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to enhance flavor melding, or serve immediately if preferred.
