This Creamy Pea Pasta Salad is cool, creamy, and packed with tender pasta, sweet peas, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a flavorful homemade dressing. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, picnics, or an easy make-ahead side dish!
🕒 Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Servings: 6–8
- Difficulty: Easy
🛒 Ingredients
For the Salad
- 12 ounces pasta shells or elbow macaroni
- 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Creamy Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
🔪 Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
- Wooden spoon or spatula
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Let pasta cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a medium bowl whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Apple cider vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Sugar
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl combine:
- Cooked pasta
- Peas
- Bacon
- Cheddar cheese
- Red onion
- Parsley
Step 4: Add the Dressing
- Pour dressing over the salad.
- Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Chill
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- This helps the flavors blend together beautifully.
Step 6: Serve
- Stir before serving.
- Garnish with extra bacon, parsley, or cheese if desired.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside:
- Grilled chicken
- Burgers
- BBQ ribs
- Sandwiches
- Fried chicken
- Picnic meals
💡 Tips for Best Results
Rinse Pasta Well
Cold water prevents the pasta from becoming sticky.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Slightly firm pasta holds up best in creamy salads.
Chill Before Serving
The flavor improves after chilling.
Reserve Some Dressing
Pasta absorbs dressing as it sits, so adding a little extra before serving helps refresh the salad.
🔄 Variations
Ranch Style
Add:
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Extra cheddar
- Green onions
Healthier Version
Use:
- Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
- Light mayo
Extra Crunch
Add:
- Celery
- Bell peppers
- Sunflower seeds
Vegetarian Option
Simply omit the bacon.
🥶 Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Not recommended, as the creamy dressing may separate.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! It’s even better after several hours in the refrigerator.
What pasta works best?
Shells, macaroni, rotini, or bowtie pasta all work great.
Can I use canned peas?
Frozen peas are preferred for better texture and sweetness.
How do I keep it creamy?
Stir in a spoonful of mayo or sour cream before serving if needed.
⚖️ Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
🌟 Optional Add-Ons
Try adding:
- Diced ham
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Pickles
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh dill
- Cherry tomatoes