If you’re looking for a summer picnic hero or just a quick make-ahead dish that everyone will devour, my Creamy Pasta Salad is here to save the day. This recipe brings together tender noodles, pops of sweet peas, salty bacon, and a Parmesan-packed dressing that’s downright irresistible. It’s all tossed in a luscious, tangy sauce that clings to every bite, creating a side (or main!) that is both comforting and refreshing. Whether you’re prepping for a family gathering or adding something special to a weeknight dinner, Creamy Pasta Salad is the one dish that always disappears first!

Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple staples can truly shine when combined just right, and each ingredient in this Creamy Pasta Salad brings something essential to the flavor and texture. Don’t skip the details—these choices are what make every forkful pop with taste and color!

Small pasta noodles: Fusilli, rotini, or shells are perfect—they trap the creamy dressing in their nooks.
Frozen peas (thawed): Add bright sweetness and a lovely pop of color; just be sure they’re fully thawed for the best texture.
Thick cut bacon (cooked and chopped): For big, smoky bites; cook until crisp for a wonderful crunch in the salad.
Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts into the dressing, bringing a nutty, salty punch to each mouthful.
Mayonnaise: The base of our dressing, giving it that ultra-creamy richness.
Olive oil: Adds silkiness and helps balance the flavors in the dressing.
Apple cider vinegar: Lends a touch of tang that perks up the whole salad.
Granulated sugar: Just a pinch brightens up the dressing—adjust to taste depending on your preference.
Salt: Enhances all the ingredients; don’t forget to taste and adjust.
Garlic powder: Delivers a subtle, savory warmth to the salad without overpowering.
Onion powder: Mellow but crucial for that layered, classic deli-style flavor.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked is best for a gentle kick of flavor.

How to Make Creamy Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

First, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and toss in your choice of small pasta noodles. Cook them until they’re perfectly al dente according to the package instructions—this way, your Creamy Pasta Salad will have just the right texture. Once done, drain the pasta and immediately rinse it with cold water to cool it down quickly and stop the cooking process. This helps the noodles stay perfectly tender and not sticky when you mix them later.

Step 2: Prep the Mix-Ins

While the pasta’s bubbling away, get your mix-ins ready. Thaw the peas so they’re sweet and tender, crisp up your thick-cut bacon and chop it into hearty pieces, and grate the Parmesan fresh. Setting everything out in advance will make assembling your Creamy Pasta Salad a breeze—and a little taste-testing along the way never hurts!

Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a small bowl, combine mayo, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, a sprinkle of sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Use a whisk and go to town until the dressing is silky, smooth, and beautifully blended. Give it a quick taste to adjust any seasonings—you want it bold and balanced, as it will mellow once tossed with the other ingredients.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Now for the fun part! Put your cooled pasta, thawed peas, chopped bacon, and grated Parmesan into a big mixing bowl. Pour the creamy dressing all over and gently stir until every piece is coated in that luscious sauce. You’ll see the colors really pop and the cheesy-dressing combos will start clinging to all the nooks and crannies.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

If you have the time (and the willpower!), cover your salad and chill it in the fridge for an hour or two. This helps the flavors meld and makes it delightfully refreshing. But trust me, nobody will complain if you dive right in—Creamy Pasta Salad tastes amazing whether cool or at room temp.

How to Serve Creamy Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Sprinkle on extra Parmesan, some finely chopped fresh parsley, or even a little more crispy bacon on top just before serving. These simple garnishes add a burst of color and a little wow factor that always impresses guests.

Side Dishes

Creamy Pasta Salad pairs magically with grilled chicken, burgers, barbecue, or a simple platter of roasted veggies. It’s the kind of sidekick that elevates any summertime meal—and it goes great with anything from a backyard cookout to a picnic sandwich.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try serving the salad in individual mason jars or small cups for a fun, grab-and-go snack. Or, for family dinners, spread it out on a pretty platter, topped with extra herbs and lemon zest for a truly inviting look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Creamy Pasta Salad into an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to three days—just give it a gentle stir before serving, as the dressing may settle a bit. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something special.

Freezing

While you might be tempted, freezing Creamy Pasta Salad isn’t recommended. The creamy dressing and veggies can lose their appealing texture after thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge, not the freezer.

Reheating

This salad is best savored cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you’d like to refresh it, stir in a spoonful of mayo or a splash of olive oil before serving to revive the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While small shapes like rotini or shells work best for Creamy Pasta Salad, you can use whatever pasta you have on hand. Just stick to bite-sized cuts so the dressing coats everything evenly.

Is there a way to make this Creamy Pasta Salad vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply leave out the bacon or substitute with smoked tempeh or crispy chickpeas for a satisfying crunch and plenty of flavor.

What other veggies can I add?

Cubed bell peppers, shredded carrots, halved cherry tomatoes, or chopped celery would all be delicious additions. The beauty of Creamy Pasta Salad is how adaptable it is to what’s in your fridge.

Can I make the salad in advance?

Yes, Creamy Pasta Salad is a brilliant make-ahead dish. Prepare it a day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator; the flavors will only get better as they mingle.

How do I keep the pasta from getting soggy?

Cook the pasta until just al dente and rinse it with cold water right after draining. This helps preserve its bite, even after sitting in the creamy dressing.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bowlful of Creamy Pasta Salad—cool, creamy, bright, and loaded with craveable flavors. I hope this goes straight to the top of your favorites list like it did for mine. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself making extra for leftovers (not that they ever last long!). Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!

Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 21 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Pasta Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner. This recipe combines tender pasta noodles, sweet peas, crispy bacon, and tangy parmesan cheese, all tossed in a creamy and flavorful dressing.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta noodles until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
Prepare Ingredients: Thaw peas, cook and chop bacon, and grate parmesan cheese.
Make Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Combine: In a large bowl, mix pasta, peas, bacon, and parmesan. Pour dressing over and toss to coat evenly.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or serve immediately.

Notes

This salad can be customized with additional veggies like cherry tomatoes or diced bell peppers.
Adjust the seasoning in the dressing to suit your taste preferences.
For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American