Easy Creamy Pasta Salad – Loaded with Peas, Bacon & Creamy Dressing 30 Minutes!

Easy Creamy Pasta Salad: Loaded with Peas, Bacon, and the Perfect Creamy Dressing

This creamy pasta salad is loaded with peas, crispy bacon, and noodles, all covered in a smooth and creamy dressing. It’s a perfect side dish for any dinner, potluck, or barbecue. It’s finally warming up, and we are ready for all things sunshine, and being outside as much as possible. That includes eating dinner outside as much as possible. Our favorite is cooking some yummy meat on the grill, and pairing it with a yummy side dish, some fresh or grilled veggies, watermelon, and of course a yummy pasta salad like this! This pasta salad is one of my favorites, and that’s saying a lot, because we have a lot of pasta salad recipes. This pasta salad is coated in a flavorful, creamy dressing, and paired with bacon and peas to give it a great texture and flavor in every bite. It’s so simple to make, and so delicious! For another fantastic pasta salad, try our Street Corn Pasta Salad.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe

• Classic, Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: A beloved combination of tender pasta, sweet peas, and savory, crispy bacon.
• Incredibly Creamy Dressing: Smooth, tangy, and perfectly seasoned – it coats every noodle beautifully.
• Quick and Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps come together in just 30 minutes.
• Perfect for Make-Ahead: Tastes even better after chilling, making it ideal for meal prep and parties.
• Highly Customizable: Easy to add your favorite mix-ins like cheese, veggies, or chicken.

Your Simple Ingredients for the Perfect Creamy Pasta Salad

• 12 oz small pasta noodles (medium shells, rotini, or farfalle work great)
• 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
• 12 oz thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

For the Creamy Dressing:

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• 2 TBS olive oil
• 1 TBS apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp granulated sugar (to taste)
• 1 tsp salt (to taste)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Pro Tip: The Secret to the Best Texture
Don’t overcook your pasta! Cook it al dente according to package directions. This ensures it holds its shape and doesn’t become mushy, especially after it sits in the creamy dressing for a while. Rinsing the cooked pasta with cold water stops the cooking process immediately.

How to Make Perfect Creamy Pasta Salad

Phase 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil and Drain: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to drain well.

Phase 2: Prepare the Mix-Ins

Prep Ingredients: While the pasta cooks, make sure your peas are thawed. Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Grate the Parmesan cheese if you haven’t already.

Phase 3: Make the Creamy Dressing

Whisk Dressing: In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and well combined.

Phase 4: Assemble the Salad

Combine in a Large Bowl: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, thawed peas, chopped bacon, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Add Dressing: Pour the creamy dressing over the top of the pasta mixture.
Toss to Coat: Stir everything together gently but thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing.

Phase 5: Chill and Serve

Chill: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 to 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. (You can serve immediately, but it’s even better after chilling!)
Serve: Give the salad a good stir before serving. Enjoy as a perfect side dish for any summer meal!

Pro Tips & Easy Variations for Your Pasta Salad

• Make-Ahead Tip: This pasta salad is a great make-ahead recipe. You can add everything together except for the bacon and half the dressing. Cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, toss in the crumbled bacon and the remaining dressing.
• Customize Your Mix-Ins: This recipe is a perfect base! Try adding diced red onion, chopped bell peppers, corn, cubed cheddar cheese, or even some cooked, chopped chicken or ham to make it a heartier meal.
• Dressing Consistency: If you prefer a little extra dressing, or if you’re making it a day ahead, consider making 1.5 times the dressing recipe to ensure it stays extra creamy.
• Pasta Shape: I love using medium shells or rotini for this salad, as they hold onto the creamy dressing so well. Farfalle (bow-tie) is also a great choice.
• Lighten It Up: You can substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version with a tangy twist.

Serving Suggestions for the Ultimate Summer Meal

This creamy pasta salad is the perfect companion for so many dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, juicy burgers, hot dogs, or barbecue ribs. It’s also a fantastic addition to any potluck, picnic, or backyard BBQ spread. Pair it with fresh watermelon and grilled veggies for a complete al fresco feast.

Nutrition Information

(Approximate per serving) Calories: 379, Fat: 26g, Carbohydrates: 26g, Protein: 10g, Sodium: 537mg. A satisfying, classic side dish. Values will vary based on specific ingredients.

Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
• Stir Before Serving: The dressing may settle, so give the salad a good stir before serving leftovers.
• Make Ahead: As mentioned, this salad is perfect for making a day in advance. The flavors will meld and deepen overnight.
• Not Freezer-Friendly: Due to the creamy dressing, this pasta salad is not recommended for freezing.

Your Creamy Pasta Salad Questions Answered

1. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
   • Absolutely! In fact, it’s highly recommended. Letting it chill in the fridge for a few hours or overnight allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. For best results, reserve some bacon and a little dressing to add just before serving.
2. How long will this pasta salad last in the fridge?
   • Properly stored in an airtight container, this creamy pasta salad will keep well for about 3-5 days.
3. My pasta salad seems dry after sitting in the fridge. What can I do?
   • Pasta can absorb some of the dressing as it sits. If it seems dry, simply stir in an extra dollop of mayonnaise or a splash of milk to refresh the creaminess before serving. You can also make a little extra dressing to have on hand.
4. Can I add other vegetables?
   • Yes! This recipe is very versatile. Diced red onion, bell peppers, or corn would be delicious additions.
5. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   • While Parmesan is classic, you could also try adding cubed cheddar cheese to the salad, or swap the Parmesan for another hard, grating cheese like Pecorino Romano.

More Incredible Pasta Salad Recipes to Try

If you love this creamy classic, you’ll adore our other delicious pasta salad creations. Our Street Corn Pasta Salad is another summer favorite, and our Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta is perfect for any occasion.

The Story Behind This Beloved Family Favorite

This Creamy Pasta Salad is a true family favorite, the kind of recipe that’s been perfected over generations of summer gatherings and potluck dinners. It represents the simple joy of sharing good food with loved ones on a warm, sunny day. The combination of tender pasta, sweet peas, and salty, crispy bacon, all brought together by a perfectly seasoned creamy dressing, is a timeless classic that never fails to please. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most beloved recipes are the simplest ones, made with care and meant to be shared around a table full of laughter and sunshine. This wonderfully comforting and crowd-pleasing recipe is inspired by the version shared on Like Mother, Like Daughter.

Pin This Classic Recipe For Your Next Summer Gathering!

This creamy pasta salad will be the star of every BBQ and potluck. Save this image to your “Side Dishes” or “Pasta Recipes” Pinterest board so you always have this beloved, crowd-pleasing recipe ready. Did you make this delicious, creamy salad? We’d love to see your creation – tag us in your photos!