Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe

I love preparing my Bacon Pasta Salad with al dente rotini, crispy bacon and fresh peas. A blend of mayonnaise, sour cream and apple cider vinegar creates a creamy dressing that ties the dish together. Garlic powder, salt and pepper round out the flavors making this salad remarkably satisfying.

I recently whipped up a Creamy Pasta Salad that really surprised me with its flavors and textures. I started out by cooking 12 oz of my favorite pasta until it was just al dente.

Then, I tossed in 1 cup of frozen peas that were thawed just right and 6 slices of bacon that were cooked until super crispy and chopped up. The magic happened when I mixed in 1 cup of mayonnaise with 1/2 cup sour cream, adding a tangy kick with 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and a bit of garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

I couldnt believe how all these ingredients came together to create one of the best salad side dishes I’ve ever made. It has that awesome bacon pasta vibe, toning down the typical creamy pasta salads feel while still being a must-try for any dinner or potluck.

Enjoy this cold pasta sensation with friends and family!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe for a bunch of reasons:

1. I just love the mix of flavors. The creamy dressing with sour cream and mayo paired with that tangy apple cider vinegar really makes the bacon and peas pop, and it makes eating this dish feel like a treat every time I dig in.
2. I appreciate how easy it is to make. Even if I’m in a rush, I can whip up this pasta salad without too much hassle, and the instructions are simple enough that I rarely mess anything up.
3. The textures are so fun – the pasta stays nice and chewy, the bacon is perfectly crispy, and the peas add a burst of pop when you bite into them. It all comes together in a way that’s both comforting and a bit exciting.
4. I enjoy that it works for any occasion. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner, a family potluck, or a backyard barbecue, this dish always gets compliments and makes the meal feel special.

This pasta salad is super creamy and loaded with peas, crispy bacon, and noodles all mixed in a smooth, tasty dressing. Its a perfect side for dinners, potlucks, or barbecues and always leaves everyone wanting more.

Ingredients

• Pasta: main carbohydrate source giving energy, texture, and a delightful chewiness.
• Bacon: adds savory protein and fat, offering smoky flavor and crisp bite.
• Peas: supply fiber and vitamins, brightening the salad with natural sweetness.
• Mayonnaise: delivers creaminess and richness, though high in calories and fat.
• Sour Cream: adds tang and smooth texture, balancing the heavy dressing.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: provides a bright, tangy kick that cuts through creaminess.
• Garlic Powder: adds a subtle warmth and flavor boost without overpowering dish.
• Sugar: offers a hint of sweetness that rounds out the tang and savory notes.
• Salt and Pepper: season the dish, enhancing all flavors without stealing the spotlight.

Ingredient Quantities

• 12 oz pasta (rotini or your fave shape), cooked al dente
• 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until it is al dente, then drain it and let it cool a bit.

2. While the pasta is cooking, fry the bacon in a pan until it gets crispy, then let it cool and chop into small pieces.

3. Thaw the frozen peas by leaving them on the counter for a few minutes or giving them a quick rinse under warm water.

4. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

5. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing and mix all the ingredients together until the pasta is evenly coated.

6. Stir in the chopped bacon and the thawed peas until everything is well mixed.

7. Cover the dish and chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving so all the flavors can come together.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot for boiling water
2. Colander to drain the pasta
3. Frying pan for cooking the bacon
4. Knife for chopping the bacon
5. Cutting board to chop the bacon
6. Large mixing bowl for the dressing and pasta
7. Measuring cups and spoons for the ingredients
8. Cooking spoon or spatula for stirring the mix
9. Refrigerator for chilling the pasta salad

FAQ

Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• For the bacon, you can use turkey bacon or even diced ham if you want a leaner twist
• If you cant get frozen peas, feel free to use fresh peas, or even snap peas for a crisp texture
• Swap out some or all of the mayo with plain Greek yogurt to get a lighter dressin without loseing creaminess
• You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar or even a splash of lemon juice if you’re looking for a slightly different tang
• If sugar doesn’t seem ideal, try a bit of agave nectar as a natural sweetener alternative

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you don’t overcook the pasta, coz if it gets too soft then it’ll mess up your mayo and sour cream mix. Rinse it with some cold water to help cool it fast if needed.
2. Let the pasta salad chill for at least an hour, but if you can leave it overnight then the flavors will really get a chance to blend well together.
3. Always taste the dressing before mixing it with everything; you might need to adjust the apple cider vinegar and sugar so it’s just the right mix of tangy and sweet.
4. When frying the bacon, pat it down with paper towels to get rid of any extra grease, cause too much grease can make the whole dish feel overly heavy.