Creamy Pasta Salad: A Cozy Dish for Every Gathering
There’s something incredibly comforting about a creamy pasta salad, isn’t there? Picture this: a sunny afternoon, laughter filling the air, and a picnic blanket laid out on the grass—each bite of the tender pasta mingling with crisp turkey bacon and bright green peas. It instantly takes me back to delightful family gatherings where good food and warm company created memories worth cherishing.
Whether you’re planning an easy weeknight dinner or searching for that perfect dish to bring to a potluck, this Creamy Pasta Salad recipe is your answer. Its delightful balance of flavors and textures transforms any casual meal into something truly special. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in a flash, making it a go-to for your quick dinners.
- No-Bake Comfort: There’s no baking required, so you can enjoy the goodness without heating up the kitchen.
- Crowd-Pleasing Delight: With its creamy texture and savory flavors, this pasta salad is sure to impress guests at your next gathering.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will fall in love with the tender pasta and crispy turkey bacon!
- Make Ahead: Prepare it a day in advance for busy days; it tastes even better after chilling.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients for a delightful and creamy pasta salad:
- 12 oz small pasta noodles (like rotini or penne)
- 2 cups frozen peas (thawed)
- 12 oz thick cut turkey bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Creamy Pasta Salad
Let’s make it together! Follow these simple steps to create your creamy masterpiece:
- In a large pot, cook the pasta noodles in boiling water according to package directions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain them and rinse with cold water to cool them down—this helps keep the pasta from getting soggy.
- While the pasta is cooking, thaw the peas and cook the turkey bacon in a skillet until it’s crispy and golden. Once it’s nice and crunchy, chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to create a dreamy dressing—a simple way to add flavor and creaminess!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, peas, chopped turkey bacon, and grated parmesan. Pour the luscious dressing over the top and stir gently to coat everything evenly.
- Cover and chill the pasta salad in the fridge for 1-2 hours before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully!
Delicious Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some fun variations to think about:
- Zesty Italian Twist: Add diced bell peppers and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a zesty flavor that pops!
- Creamy Avocado: Fold in ripe avocado chunks for a rich, creamy addition that complements the dish beautifully.
- Mediterranean Flair: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and olives for a Mediterranean twist that adds depth and richness.
- Crunchy Veggies: Toss in diced celery or shredded carrots for extra crunch and freshness.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: For busy days, this pasta salad can be made the day before. Just keep it chilled in an airtight container.
- Ingredient Swaps: Swap out turkey bacon for grilled chicken or even a plant-based protein for a different twist. Want it vegetarian? Simply leave the bacon out!
- Slicing Tricks: To make chopping the turkey bacon easier, let it cool for a few minutes after cooking; it’ll firm up and be easier to handle.
- Storage Suggestions: Store any leftovers in the fridge in a covered container. It will keep well for up to 3 days!
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 24g
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for a while.
- Can I use different ingredients? Yes! Feel free to swap the turkey bacon with chicken or go meatless for a vegetarian option.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator—they should stay fresh for up to three days.
- How long does it last? This salad is best enjoyed within three days of making it, as the creamy dressing may soften the pasta over time.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Pasta Salad is not just a dish; it’s a cherished memory in the making, a wonderful centerpiece at gatherings, and a source of cozy comfort on a weeknight. The delightful combination of creamy and savory flavors will keep your family reaching for seconds! Save this Creamy Pasta Salad to your cozy recipes board so it’s ready when you need a comforting treat! Enjoy every blissful bite!
Creamy Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz small pasta noodles (like rotini or penne)
- 2 cups frozen peas (thawed)
- 12 oz thick cut turkey bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Dressing Ingredients
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, cook the pasta noodles in boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- While the pasta is cooking, thaw the peas and cook the turkey bacon in a skillet until crispy. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, peas, turkey bacon, and parmesan. Pour the dressing over the top and stir gently to coat.
- Cover and chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours before serving.
