Description
This creamy pasta salad is a delightful combination of tender small pasta noodles, sweet peas, crispy beef bacon, and tangy parmesan cheese, all tossed in a rich and flavorful homemade mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a satisfying side, this salad is easy to prepare and best served chilled.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz small pasta noodles
- 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
Meat and Cheese
- 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 (to taste)
- 1 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and let them cool completely to prevent the salad from becoming mushy.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooled pasta, thawed peas, chopped cooked beef bacon, and freshly grated parmesan cheese to create the base of the salad.
- Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth and well combined for a creamy and tangy dressing.
- Toss Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and stir thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to become nicely chilled.
Notes
- Ensure the pasta is completely cooled before mixing to avoid sogginess.
- You can substitute beef bacon with turkey bacon or regular pork bacon if preferred.
- Adjust seasoning including salt, sugar, and pepper according to your taste.
- For added freshness, consider mixing in chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving.
- This salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
