I recently discovered an irresistible Bacon Pasta Salad that brings unexpected zest to any gathering. The mix of fresh pasta, crisp bacon, and vibrant peas tossed in a smooth, tangy dressing has truly won my heart. Every bite captivates me; it combines fun textures and flavors in a satisfying way.

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I recently came across the perfect recipe for a Creamy Pasta Salad that totally blew my mind. This dish mixes together 8 oz of your favorite pasta like rotini or elbows with a cup of thawed peas and six strips of bacon that are cooked until super crispy and crumbled.

The creamy dressing made from a cup of mayonnaise, half a cup of sour cream, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of garlic powder just ties everything together so well. I was skeptical at first but after trying it, I cant stop thinking about how perfectly balanced the flavors are.

It’s really one of those bacon pasta salad recipes that feel both fun and fresh, perfect as a salad side dish at a barbecue or even just a hearty lunch. It may sound simple, but its taste is anything but ordinary.

Try it out and let the sauce surprise you!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because the creamy dressing mixes so well with every bite. I love how the bacon stays crispy and adds that perfect crunch to each mouthful. I also really appreciate that the peas give it a pop of color and a sweet burst of flavor that balances the tangy dressing. Lastly, I dig that it’s super easy to prepare and a great dish for potlucks or family dinners, making it a comfort food that’s both tasty and fun to make.

Ingredients

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Pasta: A carb source that gives energy and a satisfying chewiness
Frozen peas: Packed with fiber, vitamins and a touch of natural sweetness
Bacon: Savory protein that adds crunch and a slightly smoky flavor
Mayonnaise: Creamy base that ties the salad together with a tangy finish
Sour cream: Smooth tanginess that helps balance the strong flavors
Apple cider vinegar: Offers a fruity acidity that wakes up the dish
Garlic powder: A subtle spice boost that deepens the overall taste

Ingredient Quantities

8 oz pasta (like rotini or elbows)

1 cup frozen peas, thawed

6 strips of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled

1 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

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1. Boil the pasta in a pot with lots of salted water according to the package instructions until its al dente, then drain and let it cool a bit.

2. While the pasta is cooling make the dressing by stirring together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a big bowl.

3. Add the thawed peas to the dressing and stir, even if they’re a bit cold.

4. Toss the cooled pasta into the bowl with the dressing and peas so everything gets coated evenly.

5. Once mixed in, fold in the crumbled bacon, making sure you get some crispy bits all over the salad.

6. Give it a little taste and add a bit more salt and pepper if you think it needs it.

7. Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge for at least an hour so the flavors can mingle properly.

8. Take it out, give it one gentle stir before serving.

9. Enjoy this creamy pasta salad at your next dinner, potluck, or barbecue its perfect as a side dish!

Equipment Needed

1. A large pot for boiling the pasta
2. A colander or strainer to drain the pasta
3. A big mixing bowl for combining the dressing, peas and pasta
4. Measuring cups and spoons for the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar and garlic powder
5. A stirring spoon or spatula for mixing the ingredients
6. A refrigerator for chilling the salad before serving

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: Yeah, you definitely can. Any short pasta like penne or fusilli will work just fine, tho it might slightly change the texture.

Q: Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

A: Sure, you can make it a day ahead. Just keep it in a sealed container in the fridge, but stir well before serving cos the dressing may separate a bit.

Q: Can I add extra veggies or ingredients?

A: Of course, feel free to add extra things like cherry tomatoes or even a bit of red onion for an extra kick. It all depends on your taste.

Q: How long can I keep the leftover salad?

A: It should keep well for 2-3 days in the fridge, just make sure its covered properly so it doesn't get dried out.

Q: Is there any healthier substitution for the mayo and sour cream?

A: You can try using Greek yogurt in place of half or all the mayo and sour cream to lighten it up, but keep in mind, it might change the creamy texture a bit.

Q: What if I dont want the bacon?

A: If you're skipping the bacon, you might wanna add a bit of smoked paprika to still get that smoky flavor, or add some nuts for crunch.

Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you’re out of rotini or elbows, try using whole wheat pasta or a gluten free option
No frozen peas? Fresh green peas or edamame work pretty well
You can swap out bacon for turkey bacon or pancetta if you want a different flavor profile
If you don’t wanna use full-on mayo, Greek yogurt is a lighter choice
No apple cider vinegar? White wine vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice is a nice substitute

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you let your pasta cool down completely before mixing it in with the dressing so that you dont get a watery mess and the sauce stays thick and creamy.

2. For extra flavor, you might wanna toss in a little extra vinegar or even a splash of lemon juice right before serving. It gives a nice zing that helps cut through the richness of the mayo and sour cream.

3. Chill the salad for a bit longer, if you can, so that all the flavors really have time to blend together. Trust me, a couple of extra hours in the fridge will make it taste a whole lot better.

4. When you crumble your bacon, try leaving some slightly larger chunks instead of making everything super fine. Those crunchy chunks add a cool texture contrast to the creamy pasta.