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
Scale
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.
