Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I poured the fragrant dressing over the pasta, the vibrant colors of the sweet peas and crispy bacon danced together in my bowl, inviting a feeling of joy that only homemade food can bring. This Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad is my ultimate solution for those days when I’m craving comfort without spending hours in the kitchen. In just 20 minutes—yes, you read that right—you’ll whip up a delightful dish that’s both a crowd-pleaser and a breeze to prepare, cutting down on your prep work with no chopping required. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just looking for a cozy side to enjoy during a movie night, this recipe delivers all the deliciousness and satisfaction you could ask for. Curious about how to make this indulgent yet easy salad? Let’s dive in! Why is this recipe a must-try? Simplicity: This Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Flavor Explosion: Expect a delightful mix of savory bacon, sweet peas, and a creamy dressing that tickles your taste buds with each bite. No Chopping Required: Forget about labor-intensive prep work! With no chopping needed, you can enjoy a homemade meal with minimal effort. Crowd-Pleaser: Its vibrant colors and rich flavors make it a favorite at picnics, barbecues, or family dinners, guaranteeing compliments from friends and family alike. Versatile Additions: Feel free to swap in other proteins or veggies, customizing the salad to fit your taste or dietary needs, like trying it with chicken or fresh herbs. Make Ahead: This salad is ideal for meal prep, keeping well in the refrigerator for up to three days, so you can enjoy leftovers without losing any flavor! Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad Ingredients For the Pasta • Pasta Shells – Essential for holding the creamy dressing; can substitute with fusilli or bowtie for a fun twist. For the Salad • Bacon (1 lb) – A key ingredient that adds a savory crunch; opt for thick-cut for maximum flavor and texture. • Peas (2 cups) – Sweet and vibrant; using frozen peas ensures convenience—just thaw before adding. • Freshly Grated Parmesan (2/3 cup) – Delivers creaminess and depth; for best results, choose high-quality parmesan. For the Dressing • Mayonnaise (1 cup) – Forms the creamy base of the dressing; for a healthier option, Greek yogurt works great. • Olive Oil (3 tablespoons) – Adds richness and blends dressing flavors; use extra virgin for enhanced taste. • Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons) – Balances acidity in the dressing; lemon juice gives a fresher kick. • Granulated Sugar (1 1/2 tsp) – Balances the dressing’s acidity; adjust based on your sweetness preference. • Salt (3/4 tsp) – Enhances the overall flavors of the salad. • Black Pepper (1/2 tsp) – Provides a gentle kick to the dish. • Garlic Powder (3/4 tsp) and Onion Powder (3/4 tsp) – Add depth of flavor; freshly minced versions can intensify the taste if desired. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad Step 1: Boil the Pasta Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and drizzle with olive oil, stirring to prevent sticking. Set the pasta aside to cool. Step 2: Cook the Bacon While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes crispy and golden brown, approximately 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, allowing excess grease to drain. Step 3: Prepare the Dressing In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk all the ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well-combined. Set aside about 1/3 cup of this creamy dressing for later use when serving the pasta salad. Step 4: Combine the Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta shells, crispy bacon, and thawed peas. Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and gently toss everything together until well-coated. Finally, fold in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the creamy pea and bacon pasta salad. Step 5: Chill the Salad Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and place the salad in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 1 hour, or up to several hours, to let the flavors meld together beautifully. This step is crucial for achieving the best taste and texture in your creamy pea and bacon pasta salad. Step 6: Serve and Refresh When ready to serve, give the salad a good stir and taste. If it seems a bit dry, drizzle in the reserved dressing you set aside earlier and toss again. Serve this delightful creamy pea and bacon pasta salad chilled, and enjoy the burst of flavors at your next meal or gathering! Make Ahead Options This Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to save time during busy weeks. You can prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance, making it ideal for gatherings or quick weeknight meals. To do this, cook the pasta and bacon, mix in the peas, and toss everything with the dressing, then refrigerate. To maintain quality, cover the salad tightly, and consider reserving a bit of the dressing to add just before serving for extra creaminess. When you’re ready to enjoy, give it a good stir, add the reserved dressing if needed, and serve. You’ll experience the same delicious flavor with minimal effort! Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad Variations Feel free to explore these easy tweaks that let you personalize your dish while enhancing its flavor and texture. Protein Swap: Substitute bacon with cooked chicken or turkey for a lighter protein option. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the salad in a healthier manner. Vegetable Boost: Add diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for vibrant color and crunch. Their freshness brightens the dish and adds a satisfying juiciness. Herb Infusion: Toss in freshly chopped dill or parsley to enhance the flavor profile with a hint of freshness. These herbs create a lovely contrast to the creamy dressing. Creamy Alternative: Switch out mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor and healthier twist. Greek yogurt packs a protein punch while keeping the salad creamy and delicious. Vegan-Friendly: For a plant-based version, use vegan bacon and a mayo alternative like avocado. You’ll still enjoy that savory punch without any animal products. Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a distinctive taste. Their creaminess complements the pasta beautifully and adds a unique flavor depth. Spice It Up: If you’re craving heat, add a dash of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. This fiery addition takes your creamy salad to a whole new level of excitement. Embrace these variations and make this Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad truly your own! Looking for more recipes? You might enjoy our Zesty Chicken Pasta Salad or consider adding fresh herbs from our Herb Gardening Tips for a veggie boost! Expert Tips for Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad Pasta Perfection: Make sure to cook pasta shells until just al dente; overcooking will lead to a mushy salad. Drizzle with olive oil immediately to prevent sticking. Crispy Bacon: For the best flavor and texture, use thick-cut bacon. Ensure it’s cooked until golden brown and crispy, enhancing the salad’s richness. Chill Time: Allow your creamy pea and bacon pasta salad to sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving; this helps meld the flavors beautifully. Season to Taste: Taste the dressing before mixing it in; adjust the salt and sugar to your preference for a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Freshness Matters: Use freshly grated parmesan for maximum creaminess and flavor; pre-grated versions can lose some of their character. Leftover Love: If you have leftovers, keep them stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, but refresh with a little more dressing before serving! How to Store and Freeze Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad Fridge: Store your Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving to reincorporate the dressing. Make-Ahead: This salad can be prepared a day in advance, making it an excellent option for stress-free entertaining. Just be sure to add a drizzle of dressing before serving to freshen it up. Freezer: While freezing is not recommended due to potential texture changes in the pasta and peas, you can freeze the dressing separately for up to a month. Thaw and stir before using. Reheating: Serve chilled for the best experience; reheating is not recommended, as it may affect the creamy texture and flavor balance of the pasta salad. What to Serve with Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad Looking to create a well-rounded meal that perfectly complements the wonderful flavors of your creamy salad? Grilled Chicken: Juicy, herb-marinated chicken adds protein and a savory contrast to the creamy salad. Grilling infuses a delightful char that elevates the entire meal. Steamed Broccoli: The tender-crisp texture and bright color provide a fresh note, balancing the richness of the pasta salad. A drizzle of lemon juice over the broccoli will enhance its appeal even further. Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, this classic side pairs wonderfully with creamy textures while offering a satisfying garlic flavor. It’s perfect for sopping up extra dressing left on your plate! Caesar Salad: A crunchy Caesar with crisp romaine, homemade croutons, and tangy dressing adds a nice contrast to the pasta salad. Together, they create a refreshing mix of flavors and textures. Caprese Skewers: These bright, fresh skewers of mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil provide a burst of Italian flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience. Drizzle some balsamic glaze for an extra splash of sweetness. Sparkling Lemonade: A refreshing drink to pair with this meal, the citrus notes will cleanse the palate between bites. Its effervescence complements the rich creaminess of the salad beautifully. Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe FAQs What type of pasta works best for this salad? I recommend using pasta shells for their wonderful ability to hold the creamy dressing, but you can also use fusilli or bowtie pasta if you prefer a different shape. Just make sure it’s a kind that can hold sauces well! How long does Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad last in the fridge? You can store your Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving to reincorporate all the delicious flavors! Can I freeze Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad? Freezing this salad isn’t the best option since the textures of the pasta and peas might change once thawed. However, you can freeze the dressing separately for up to a month. Thaw it in the fridge before using, and give it a good stir for optimal taste. What should I do if my salad seems too dry? If your salad appears dry when you’re ready to serve, simply drizzle in some of the reserved dressing that you set aside earlier. Toss everything together again, and that should refresh the flavors beautifully! Are there any dietary substitutions I can make? Absolutely! If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or use light mayonnaise. Additionally, you could swap out bacon for shredded rotisserie chicken for a different protein option. Feel free to add diced bell peppers or herbs like dill for an extra layer of flavor. What tips do you have for preparing this salad in advance? This salad can be prepared a day in advance, which makes it great for entertaining! Just assemble everything and chill it in the fridge covered. Right before serving, add a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and a drizzle of dressing to revive the flavors and enjoy! Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad – A Quick Flavor Explosion This Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of flavors that comes together in just 20 minutes. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsChill Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins Servings: 4 cupsCourse: SaladCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pasta8 oz Pasta Shells Can substitute with fusilli or bowtie for a fun twist.For the Salad1 lb Bacon Opt for thick-cut for maximum flavor and texture.2 cups Peas Use frozen peas, thawed before adding.2/3 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Choose high-quality parmesan for best results.For the Dressing1 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt as a healthier option.3 tablespoons Olive Oil Use extra virgin for enhanced taste.2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice Lemon juice gives a fresher kick.1 1/2 teaspoons Granulated Sugar Adjust based on sweetness preference.3/4 teaspoon Salt Enhances overall flavors.1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Provides a gentle kick.3/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder Freshly minced can intensify taste.3/4 teaspoon Onion Powder Freshly minced can intensify taste. Equipment Large potskilletmixing bowlcolanderWhiskspoon Method Cooking InstructionsBoil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and drizzle with olive oil.Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy and golden brown (6-8 minutes). Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease.Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooled pasta, crispy bacon, and thawed peas. Pour dressing over and toss until well-coated. Fold in grated Parmesan.Chill the Salad: Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.Serve and Refresh: Stir salad before serving. If dry, drizzle with reserved dressing and toss again. Serve chilled. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg NotesFor best results, allow the salad to chill for at least 1 hour before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Refresh with a bit of dressing before serving. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
