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Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad That Will Elevate Your BBQ Game

This creamy pasta salad is a delightful combination of flavors, perfect for potlucks and barbecues. Customizable to suit personal tastes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 8 ounces Small Pasta Noodles (rotini or shells) Use rotini or shells for added texture
  • 1 cup Frozen Peas Thaw before use
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt is a lighter alternative
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Avocado oil can also be used
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar Can be substituted with white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar Adjust to taste or omit
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
For the Mix-ins
  • 6 slices Thick Cut Bacon Cook until crispy; turkey bacon is a lower-fat alternative
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated

Equipment

  • pot
  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Prepare the Peas and Bacon: Thaw frozen peas in warm water for about 5 minutes. Cook bacon in skillet over medium heat until crispy, roughly 8-10 minutes. Cool and crumble.
  3. Whisk Together the Dressing: Combine mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Whisk until smooth, seasoning with salt, garlic and onion powder, and black pepper.
  4. Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, thawed peas, crumbled bacon, and Parmesan cheese. Toss until evenly distributed.
  5. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and fold gently until well-coated.
  6. Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours. The salad tastes better the next day.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Customize this salad with your favorite veggies or proteins for a unique twist!

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