Description
A refreshing and creamy pasta salad combining tender small pasta noodles with sweet peas, savory thick cut beef bacon, and a tangy parmesan cheese dressing. Perfectly balanced with a homemade mayonnaise-based dressing, this salad is ideal for potlucks, picnics, or a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad
- 12 oz small pasta noodles
- 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 12 oz thick cut beef bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Dressing
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and rinse briefly under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, thawed peas, cooked and chopped beef bacon, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir gently to mix evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth and well blended.
- Mix Dressing with Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps the flavors meld and enhances the overall taste.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated to enhance taste and texture.
- You can substitute beef bacon with turkey bacon or regular pork bacon if preferred.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking, especially the salt and sugar, to balance the dressing.
- This salad can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge to deepen the flavors.
- Make sure to cool pasta completely before dressing to prevent the mayonnaise from breaking down.
- Optional: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra freshness.
