Oh my goodness, have I got the perfect pasta salad for you! This creamy pea and bacon pasta salad is my go-to when I need something quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Picture this: al dente pasta coated in the dreamiest creamy dressing, studded with sweet pops of peas and that irresistible crunch of crispy bacon. It’s the kind of dish that disappears at potlucks – trust me, I’ve seen it happen! What I love most is how simple it is to throw together – just 25 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re packing lunches, heading to a picnic, or just craving something cool and creamy, this salad has your back. The combo of smoky bacon and fresh peas is absolute magic!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad
This isn’t just another pasta salad – it’s downright addictive! Here’s why:
- Ready in a flash: Less than 30 minutes from pantry to picnic basket
- Creamy dreaminess: That mayo-sour cream combo coats every noodle perfectly
- Flavor fireworks: Smoky bacon + sweet peas + zesty lemon = pure magic
- Endless possibilities: Throw in extra cheese, veggies, or spices – make it yours!
- Crowd pleaser: Kids and adults go crazy for this at every gathering
Seriously, once you try this, you’ll understand why it’s my most requested recipe!
Ingredients for Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad
Gather these simple ingredients – I promise you probably have most in your kitchen already! The magic is in how they come together.
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli work best – grab what you’ve got!)
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed (just run under warm water for a minute)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled (save that bacon grease for another recipe!)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat for creaminess, but light works too)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (Greek yogurt makes a great sub if needed)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh squeezed if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1/2 tsp salt (taste as you go – you can always add more)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked is best)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (it’s worth hunting down – makes all the difference!)
See? Nothing crazy here – just good, honest ingredients that create something extraordinary together!
How to Make Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad
Okay, let’s get cooking! This recipe comes together in three simple steps – I promise even kitchen newbies can nail it. The secret is in the chilling time, so don’t skip that part!
Cook the Pasta and Bacon
First, bring a big pot of salted water to boil for your pasta. Cook it al dente (that means slightly firm to the bite) – usually about 1 minute less than the package says. While that’s bubbling away, fry up your bacon until crispy. I like to bake mine at 400°F for about 15 minutes – no splatter mess!
Mix the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Taste it! Want more tang? Add extra lemon. Need more zip? A dash of garlic powder works wonders. This creamy base is your blank canvas.
Combine and Chill
Drain your pasta and give it a quick rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Toss it with the dressing, peas, and bacon crumbles. Sprinkle that fresh parsley on top like confetti! Now the hard part – pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (I know, the waiting is torture!). This chill time lets all those flavors get to know each other properly.
Pro tip: If you can resist digging in right away, making this a day ahead actually makes it even better! The flavors meld beautifully overnight.
Tips for the Best Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad
Here are my hard-won secrets for making this pasta salad truly shine:
- Pea perfection: Fresh peas in season? Absolutely use them! Just blanch for 1 minute first.
- Cheese please: A handful of shredded cheddar or crumbled feta takes this to next-level delicious.
- Keep it crisp: Add bacon right before serving if you want maximum crunch.
- Storage savvy: Always use an airtight container – lasts up to 3 days in the fridge (if it lasts that long!).
My favorite trick? A squeeze of extra lemon juice when serving for that bright, fresh pop!
Variations of Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad
The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can make it your own! Here are some of my favorite twists:
- Lighter option: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt – same tang but with extra protein
- More crunch: Toss in diced red onion or chopped celery for extra texture
- Herb lover: Mix in fresh dill or chives along with the parsley
- Spice it up: A dash of smoked paprika or cayenne adds wonderful warmth
Don’t be afraid to play around – that’s how the best family recipes are born!
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad
This versatile salad plays well with so many dishes! I love it alongside juicy grilled chicken or piled onto a picnic plate with fried chicken. At summer BBQs, it’s the perfect cool counterpoint to smoky ribs or burgers. For a light lunch, just add some crusty bread and call it a meal – that’s how my kids devour it! The creamy texture makes it fancy enough for potlucks but homey enough for weeknight dinners. Honestly? I’ve been known to eat it straight from the bowl with a big spoon when no one’s looking…
Storing and Reheating Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad
Here’s the scoop on keeping your pasta salad perfect! Tuck it into an airtight container – I’m partial to glass ones because they don’t absorb smells. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, though ours never lasts that long! A quick stir before serving brings it back to life. Fair warning: freezing turns the creamy dressing grainy, so enjoy it fresh. If you’re taking it to a picnic, nestle the container in an ice-filled cooler – food safety first!
Nutrition Information for Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each serving – but remember, these are estimates based on my exact ingredients. Your numbers might dance around a bit depending on the brands you use or if you tweak the recipe (no judgment here – tweaking is half the fun!). This creamy dream clocks in at about 380 calories per generous 1-cup serving, with that perfect balance of carbs, protein, and yes, glorious fats that make it so satisfying. The peas add a nice fiber boost too! Just keep in mind – nutritional values are like snowflakes, no two batches are exactly alike.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad
I get so many questions about this recipe – here are the ones that pop up most often from friends and readers!
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas are wonderful when they’re in season. Just blanch them in boiling water for about 1 minute first to bring out their sweetness. Frozen peas are my go-to for convenience though – and they’re flash-frozen at peak freshness!
How long does this pasta salad keep in the fridge?
It stays fresh for about 3 days in an airtight container. The bacon might soften a bit, but the flavors just get better as they mingle. Pro tip: If you’re making it ahead, wait to add the bacon until just before serving for maximum crunch.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Sure thing! Just skip the bacon (sob!) and add some smoked almonds or sun-dried tomatoes for that umami punch. A sprinkle of smoked paprika in the dressing helps recreate some of that bacon magic too.
What’s the best pasta shape to use?
I’m partial to penne or fusilli because those nooks and crannies hold the creamy dressing so well. But honestly? Any short pasta shape works – use what you’ve got in the pantry!
Try this recipe and share your twist in the comments! For more recipe inspiration, check out our Pinterest page.
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Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta Salad in 25 Minutes – So Good!
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A creamy and savory pasta salad with peas and crispy bacon, perfect for picnics or quick lunches.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add pasta, peas, and bacon to the bowl. Toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh peas if in season.
- Add shredded cheese for extra richness.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
