Creamy Pasta Salad is the kind of dish that never gets old. It’s rich and satisfying but still light enough for a hot day, and it works perfectly as a sidekick to all your summer grilling favorites. Think juicy burgers, sizzling chicken, or smoky ribs. Whether you’re heading to a potluck, prepping for a family BBQ, or just looking to meal prep for the week, this cold pasta salad with bacon and peas is here to save the day.
It’s got that perfect mix: tender pasta, crispy bacon, sweet green peas, and a creamy dressing that clings to every bite. Plus, it can be made ahead and kept chilled until you’re ready to wow everyone.
Jump to
Why I Make This on Repeat All Summer
So here’s the thing—I’m a pasta salad fanatic. If there’s a cookout, you bet I’m bringing one. And let me tell you, this creamy pasta salad with mayo dressing? It’s the real MVP.
Picture this: a lazy summer afternoon, your friends lounging on lawn chairs, the scent of BBQ in the air, and this creamy pasta salad sitting pretty on the picnic table. It always disappears faster than anything else. That creamy texture with a little crunch from the bacon? Game over.
I also love that it’s totally customizable. Don’t like peas? Swap in corn or diced bell peppers. Want to make it a full meal? Throw in some grilled chicken or cubes of cheddar. It plays well with whatever you’ve got in your fridge. And it’s super kid-friendly, so picky eaters won’t be turning up their noses.
Also check out: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad and Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad for more pasta salad love.
How to Make Creamy Pasta Salad
Here’s what you’ll do:
- Cook your pasta until it’s al dente. You want it to have a bit of bite so it doesn’t get mushy. Rinse with cold water right after and let it dry a bit.
- Crisp up your bacon. Cook it until it’s golden and crunchy, then crumble it into bits.
- Thaw your peas. Just rinse them under warm water until they’re not icy anymore.
- Grate that Parmesan. Trust me, freshly grated makes a difference.
- Make the dressing. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayo, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Toss it all together. In a big ol’ mixing bowl, combine the pasta, peas, bacon, Parmesan, and pour on the dressing. Stir it until everything’s coated in creamy goodness.
- Chill for 1–2 hours or serve right away if you’re impatient like me.
Craving more side salad inspiration? Try this refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad or bold Elote Pasta Salad.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Nobody wants soggy noodles in their salad. Al dente is the goal!
- Save some dressing and bacon. If you’re making this ahead, mix in only half the dressing and add the rest, plus bacon, just before serving. Keeps everything fresh and crispy.
- Pick the right pasta. Medium shells, rotini, or farfalle hold onto that creamy dressing like champs.
- Mix-ins for days: Add diced carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, ham, grilled chicken, or even olives. Make it your own.
Want more crunchy, creamy sides? You’ll love this Broccoli Raisin Salad.
Ingredients List
Pasta Salad:
- 12 oz small pasta noodles (rotini, shells, or farfalle)
- 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 12 oz thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar (or more to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Cooking Instructions Summary
- Cook pasta al dente, rinse under cold water, and drain.
- Cook bacon until crispy, crumble it.
- Thaw peas.
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients.
- Mix pasta, peas, bacon, and Parmesan in a large bowl.
- Pour over dressing, toss well.
- Chill for at least an hour or serve right away.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 379 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 28mg
- Sodium: 537mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Potassium: 190mg
- Vitamin A: 241 IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 62mg
- Iron: 1mg
Creamy Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Pasta Salad is the ultimate summer side—rich, tangy, and perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or make-ahead meals. With crispy bacon, peas, and a mayo-based dressing, this pasta salad is the one everyone goes back for.
Ingredients
- 12 oz small pasta noodles (rotini, shells, or farfalle)
- 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 12 oz thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta al dente, rinse under cold water, and drain.
- Cook bacon until crispy, crumble it.
- Thaw peas.
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients.
- Mix pasta, peas, bacon, and Parmesan in a large bowl.
- Pour over dressing, toss well.
- Chill for at least an hour or serve right away.
Notes
Use al dente pasta to avoid mushiness. Save some dressing and bacon to stir in right before serving for maximum freshness and crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 379 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 537mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 28mg
Related Recipes You’ll Love
- Southwest Pasta Salad
- Taco Pasta Salad
- Macaroni Salad
- Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Pesto Pasta Salad
More Favorites from the Blog
- Peach Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
- Easy Summer Recipes
- Fourth of July Menu Ideas
- Make-Ahead Fourth of July Recipes
- Cucumber Celery Lime Detox Drink
FAQs About Creamy Pasta Salad
About 3–4 days in an airtight container. Add fresh dressing if it dries out a bit.
I wouldn’t recommend it—the mayo-based dressing can separate. Best served fresh.
Aside from peas, try diced tomatoes, bell peppers, carrots, corn, or cucumbers.
Toss with a little extra dressing just before serving and make sure your pasta isn’t overcooked.
Absolutely—just use gluten-free pasta noodles.
It’s awesome with grilled chicken, ribs, burgers, or just a fresh green salad.
For more great Platings and Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on Pinterest and Facebook.
Now go on, whip up this dreamy Creamy Pasta Salad and steal the show at your next gathering!