The Best Creamy Pasta Salad

When warm weather rolls in, nothing hits the spot quite like a chilled, comforting bowl of Creamy Pasta Salad. With its tender pasta, vibrant veggies, and crispy bacon all wrapped up in a velvety dressing, this salad checks all the boxes: easy, flavorful, and perfectly suited for any summer spread. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, BBQ, potluck, or weekday lunch, this pasta salad is your go-to crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pasta Salad

Full of Texture and Flavor: The combo of tender noodles, crispy bacon, sweet peas, and rich dressing makes every bite exciting.
Quick to Make: Just a bit of chopping, mixing, and chilling.
Perfect Make-Ahead Dish: Ideal for entertaining or weekday lunches.
Customizable: Switch up the pasta, protein, or dressing to suit your taste.

Ingredients for Creamy Pasta Salad

Small Pasta Noodles: Shells, elbow macaroni, or rotini are perfect because they hold onto the dressing well.
Frozen Peas: Once thawed, they add sweetness and a pop of green.
Thick-Cut Bacon: Cooked to crispy perfection, this brings savory crunch to the dish.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese adds nutty flavor and richness.

For the Creamy Dressing:

Mayonnaise: The base that gives the salad its signature creamy texture.
Olive Oil: Adds smoothness and helps bind the dressing.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings a gentle tang to brighten the flavors.
Granulated Sugar: Just a little bit balances the vinegar’s tang.
Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that build depth and enhance the overall flavor profile.

How to Make Creamy Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and chill the pasta. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Cook and Chop the Bacon

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the bacon. Cook until crisp either in a skillet or the oven. Once cooled, chop into small bite-sized pieces. This adds both flavor and a crunchy texture to the salad.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste, especially with sugar, salt, and spices.

Step 4: Mix It All Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, thawed peas, chopped bacon, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until evenly coated. Be sure all the ingredients are distributed for a balanced flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors blend together and gives the salad a refreshing, cool temperature.

Equipment Needed

Large pot for cooking pasta
Skillet or oven for bacon
Strainer for draining pasta
Large mixing bowl
Small bowl for dressing
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons

Tips for Success

Chill Before Serving: This salad is best served cold. Don’t skip the chill time!
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Softer pasta can get mushy after absorbing the dressing.
Use Good-Quality Mayo and Parmesan: These make a big difference in flavor.
Make Ahead: You can prep this a day ahead for busy gatherings.
Toss Gently: This keeps the pasta intact and prevents the peas from breaking.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with grilled meats like chicken, burgers, or sausage.
Serve alongside other summer sides like coleslaw or corn on the cob.
Pack in lunchboxes for a flavorful midday meal.
Offer as a cold option at summer potlucks or BBQs.

Variations to Try

Add Veggies: Toss in diced bell pepper, shredded carrots, or halved cherry tomatoes.
Go Meat-Free: Leave out the bacon for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Herb It Up: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil for an herbaceous twist.
Swap the Pasta: Use whole wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, or even tortellini for a richer salad.
Protein Boost: Add chopped grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs to make it more filling.

More Salads You’ll Love:

FAQs about Creamy Pasta Salad

Can I make Creamy Pasta Salad in advance?

Yes, in fact, it tastes even better when made ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and stir before serving.

How long does Creamy Pasta Salad last in the fridge?

This salad will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, the pasta may start to soften too much.

Can I freeze Creamy Pasta Salad?

Not recommended. The mayo-based dressing can separate and become watery when thawed.

Is there a way to lighten up the dressing?

You can substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or use a low-fat mayo. You’ll still get creaminess but with fewer calories.

What if I don’t like peas?

No problem! You can use corn, chopped green beans, or diced cucumber as a substitute.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a chilled Creamy Pasta Salad on a warm day. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together—simple, nostalgic, and packed with comforting flavors. Whether you’re making it for a big gathering or just need a reliable side dish, this recipe delivers every time. Don’t be surprised if it disappears from the table faster than you expected!

Whip it up, chill it down, and let every bite remind you of everything wonderful about summer cooking.

PIN FOR LATER!