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Creamy Pasta Salad

Creamy Pasta Salad Your New Summer BBQ Essential

This Creamy Pasta Salad is a versatile and kid-friendly dish, perfect for any summer gathering.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Small Pasta Noodles Choose rotini, shells, or farfalle
For the Vegetables
  • 2 cups Frozen Peas Thawed
For the Protein
  • 12 oz Thick-Cut Bacon Cooked and chopped
For the Dressing
  • 3/4 cup Mayonnaise Can use Greek yogurt for a lighter option
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
For the Garnish
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water over high heat. Add 12 ounces of small pasta noodles and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally. Drain and rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine 3/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Add 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Incorporate 2 cups of thawed peas, 12 ounces of cooked bacon, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Gently toss to combine.
  4. Cover the mixing bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Before serving, stir the salad and consider adding extra dressing and reserved bacon for added freshness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This salad can be easily customized with various vegetables or proteins. Reserve some ingredients for freshness.

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