This Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of flavors! It features tender pasta, fresh peas, and crispy bacon all tossed in a creamy dressing that ties everything together.
Who doesn’t love bacon? And the pops of sweet peas make each bite so enjoyable! I love serving this salad at picnics or potlucks—it’s always a hit and super easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using bowtie pasta for its fun shape! However, you can swap it for any pasta you have on hand, like rotini or penne. Just ensure it’s a shape that holds onto the creamy dressing well.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a delicious crunch. If you prefer a healthier option, turkey bacon or even crispy pancetta could work! For a vegetarian version, try using smoked paprika for that bacon flavor.
Peas: Fresh peas give a nice sweetness, but frozen peas are a great substitute, too. Just make sure to thaw them before adding to the salad. Also, corn could add a nice pop of color and sweetness if you want to switch it up!
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: This combination creates a creamy dressing. You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter option, or swap both with a vegan mayo for a dairy-free dish!
How Do You Cook Pasta and Peas Perfectly?
Cooking pasta and peas just right can be tricky! Here’s the best way:
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil—this helps season the pasta.
- Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente, usually a minute or two less than the package suggests.
- About two minutes before the pasta is done, add the peas. This gives them just enough time to cook while retaining their bright color.
- After draining, rinse both under cold water quickly. This stops the cooking process and keeps the peas vibrant and the pasta from getting mushy.
By following these simple steps, your pasta and peas will turn out perfectly cooked every time!
How to Make Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Peas:
- 12 oz (340g) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen peas
Bacon:
- 6 slices bacon
Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. After that, you’ll want to chill it for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. So, in total, plan for about 45 minutes before it’s ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta and Peas:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. If you’re using frozen peas, you can add them to the pot about 2 minutes before the pasta is finished cooking to heat them up. Once done, drain the pasta and peas together, then rinse them under cold water to quickly cool them down. Drain again and set aside.
2. Prepare the Bacon:
While the pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook until it’s crispy, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Once crispy, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then crumble or chop it into small pieces.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well blended.
4. Combine Everything:
Add the cooled pasta and peas to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and peas are thoroughly coated in the creamy dressing.
5. Add the Bacon:
Fold in most of the crumbled bacon, but save a few pieces to sprinkle on top as a garnish. Give everything a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your liking.
6. Garnish and Chill:
Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish and garnish with the reserved bacon and fresh parsley if you like. Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. This is where the magic happens!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, your Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad is ready to serve! Enjoy it cold or at room temperature, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a delicious side dish at family gatherings!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great alternative and will add a nutty flavor and a bit more fiber to your salad. Just be sure to watch the cooking time as whole wheat pasta sometimes needs a little longer to cook.
What Can I Use Instead of Mayonnaise?
If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free mayo. Both options will still yield a creamy result while being healthier or accommodating dietary preferences.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, and if it seems a bit dry, you can add a touch of mayo or a splash of lemon juice to freshen it up!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables such as diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even broccoli. Just chop them finely and add them in when mixing with the dressing for an extra crunch and flavor.
