Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz pasta shell noodles
  • 1 lb. thick-cut bacon diced
  • 2 cup frozen peas thawed
  • 2/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • Dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 3/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 3/4 tsp onion powder

Instructions:

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and get the pasta cooked to al dente. While it’s cooking, cook the diced bacon in a large skillet until it’s crispy.
  2. Drain the pasta, rinse until cooled, and drizzle with some olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.
  3. Combine all of the dressing ingredients together in a small mixing bowl and whisk until smooth. Set aside 1/3 cup of the dressing to rehydrate the pasta salad before serving if needed.
  4. In a large bowl, add in the pasta, then the bacon and peas and pour over the dressing. Toss well to combine, then add in the parmesan cheese and toss again. Cover tightly and chill for a few hours before serving.

FAQs:

  1. What is Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad?
    • Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines cooked pasta with creamy dressing, peas, crispy bacon, and sometimes additional vegetables like red onions or bell peppers. It’s a flavorful twist on traditional pasta salad.
  2. How do I make Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad?
    • To make Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. While the pasta is cooking, fry bacon until crispy, then chop it into pieces. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool. In a large bowl, combine the pasta with cooked peas (fresh or thawed frozen peas work well), chopped bacon, and any additional vegetables you like. Toss with a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Chill in the refrigerator before serving.
  3. Can I make Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad ahead of time?
    • Yes, Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad can be made ahead of time. Prepare the salad as directed, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. Before serving, you may need to stir in a little extra dressing or a splash of milk to refresh the creaminess as pasta tends to absorb liquid over time.
  4. What type of pasta is best for Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad?
    • Short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, penne, or farfalle (bow-tie pasta) work best for Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad. These shapes hold the creamy dressing well and provide a good balance with the peas and bacon.
  5. Can I make Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad vegetarian?
    • Yes, you can make Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad vegetarian by omitting the bacon or replacing it with a vegetarian alternative such as tempeh bacon or smoked tofu. Adjust the seasoning as needed to maintain the dish’s savory flavor profile.

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