The Creamy Pasta Salad with Turkey Bacon, Peas, and Parmesan Recipe is an absolute game-changer when it comes to bringing a burst of flavor and texture to your table. Imagine tender pasta noodles tossed in a luscious, tangy dressing, punctuated by crispy turkey bacon, sweet peas, and the nutty depth of freshly grated Parmesan. This salad is the perfect harmony of creamy, crunchy, and fresh—ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a delightful weeknight supper. It’s so simple to prepare but delivers layers of satisfaction in every bite, guaranteed to become your new go-to pasta salad favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines with its straightforward, everyday ingredients, each carefully chosen to build its irresistible flavor and texture. The combination of simple pantry staples and fresh elements makes this dish both accessible and satisfying.
- 12 oz small pasta noodles: Use shapes like rotini or penne for the perfect sauce cling and bite.
- 2 cups frozen peas (thawed): Adds a pop of vibrant green color and a naturally sweet crunch.
- 12 oz thick cut Turkey Bacon (cooked and chopped): The smoky, savory bacon provides a delightful contrast to the creamy dressing.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Brings richness with a sharp, nutty undertone.
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base that ties all flavors together with a velvety finish.
- 2 TBS olive oil: Adds a silky smoothness and depth to the dressing.
- 1 TBS apple cider vinegar: Injects a bright tanginess that balances the mayo’s richness.
- 1 tsp granulated sugar (to taste): A small touch to round out the acidity and give the salad a subtle sweetness.
- 1 tsp salt (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (to taste): Adds mild savory warmth without overpowering.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (to taste): Gives a gentle depth and aroma to the dressing.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (to taste): Just enough to lend a hint of spice and complexity.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped: Brightens the dish and adds a fresh herbal note.
How to Make Creamy Pasta Salad with Turkey Bacon, Peas, and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Start by boiling your pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches that delightful al dente texture. Al dente means the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite, which holds up beautifully when tossed with the creamy dressing. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and to cool it down, ensuring it stays perfectly firm and ready to absorb the flavors of the salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Peas and Turkey Bacon
While your pasta cooks, thaw those frozen peas until they’re soft but still maintain their sweetness and pop. Chop the thick-cut turkey bacon into small, bite-sized pieces. Cooking the bacon until perfectly crisp will add a satisfying crunch and smoky depth that balances out the creaminess of the dressing and the sweetness of the peas.
Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. The magic here is in this dressing — creamy with a zing from the vinegar and well-rounded with spices, it’s what turns simple pasta into a feast of flavor.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and toss together the cooled pasta, thawed peas, chopped turkey bacon, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pour your delicious dressing over the mixture and gently stir until every bite is beautifully coated. The Parmesan will melt slightly into the warm pasta, blending the texture and flavor in the most comforting way.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
For best results, chill your creamy pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and deepen, giving you that perfect harmony of tastes and textures when plated. If time is tight, you can serve it immediately, but trust me, the chill step elevates the dish to something truly special.
How to Serve Creamy Pasta Salad with Turkey Bacon, Peas, and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra freshly chopped parsley or more Parmesan to add some fresh color and an extra burst of flavor right before serving. For a bit of extra texture, consider adding some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds, which complement the creamy and savory notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta salad pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad or grilled vegetables. It’s also hearty enough to be a main event alongside barbecued chicken or fish. The combination of smoky turkey bacon and fresh peas makes it versatile for a variety of meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad in individual mason jars for picnics or potlucks to make it extra festive and portable. Layer some extra bacon bits or fresh herbs on top for a beautiful presentation. It also works great as a filling for wraps or alongside crunchy garlic bread for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover creamy pasta salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, giving you quick, ready-to-eat meals or snacks with minimal effort. Stir gently before serving since some ingredients may settle or separate slightly.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise base, freezing is not recommended for this Creamy Pasta Salad with Turkey Bacon, Peas, and Parmesan Recipe. Freezing would affect the texture and consistency of the dressing, resulting in a less enjoyable taste experience once thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you prefer, you can let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving to take the chill off, but avoid microwaving to keep the creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Absolutely! Regular bacon will add a richer, smokier flavor to the salad. Just make sure to cook it until crisp and drain the excess fat before adding it in to keep the salad from becoming greasy.
Is there a way to make this pasta salad vegan?
You can swap the turkey bacon for crispy tempeh or smoked tofu, use vegan mayonnaise, and replace Parmesan with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. The salad will still be delicious with these swaps!
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
You can make the salad up to one day ahead. Just keep it refrigerated and stir well before serving to refresh the flavors and textures.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Chopped bell peppers, shredded carrots, or cherry tomatoes make great additions and add to the color and crunch.
What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?
Small pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells work best because they hold the dressing well and mix nicely with the peas and bacon.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a salad that feels like a comforting hug and brings excitement to your plate, this Creamy Pasta Salad with Turkey Bacon, Peas, and Parmesan Recipe is just what you need. It’s a fantastic way to combine simple ingredients into something irresistibly delicious. Trust me, once you try it, it will quickly become a staple in your cooking rotation. So grab your ingredients, whip it up, and get ready to enjoy every creamy, crunchy, savory bite!
Print
Creamy Pasta Salad with Turkey Bacon, Peas, and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy pasta salad is a delightful combination of tender pasta, sweet peas, crispy turkey bacon, and a tangy, flavorful dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish, it balances rich mayonnaise and parmesan cheese with a hint of apple cider vinegar and fresh parsley for a deliciously satisfying dish that serves about six people.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz small pasta noodles
- 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
Protein
- 12 oz thick cut Turkey Bacon, cooked and chopped
Cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Dressing
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta noodles following the package instructions until they are al dente. Then drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles.
- Prepare Peas and Bacon: Thaw the frozen peas completely. Chop the thick cut turkey bacon into small, bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are ready to mix in the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled pasta, thawed peas, chopped turkey bacon, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill. Alternatively, it can be served immediately if desired.
Notes
- For best flavor, chill the salad for at least 1 hour before serving.
- You can substitute turkey bacon with regular bacon or a vegetarian alternative if preferred.
- Adjust seasonings such as salt, sugar, and pepper according to personal taste.
- This salad holds up well for up to 2 days refrigerated in an airtight container.
- Feel free to add diced red onions or celery for extra crunch.
