Bacon and peas pasta salad is made with tender small pasta, frozen peas, bacon bits, and freshly grated Parmesan that’s tossed in creamy mayonnaise-based dressing for a delicious side dish the whole family will love.

From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito

Bacon and peas pasta salad is the ultimate crowd pleasing side dish. It’s creamy, savory, and its super easy to make, too. This is a must try recipe for any event you’ve got this summer.The pop of peas goes perfectly with the smoky crunchy bacon, and the Parmesan cheese adds an irresistibly salty kick.

This recipe was given to me a few years ago and I immediately fell in love with it. It's the perfect thing to make for picnics, potlucks, or a no fuss side dish to any meal. This is truly a unique side that everyone will love at first bite!

Ingredients

Here's everything you'll need to make this delicious summer pasta salad. You can find the full ingredients list along with measurements and instructions on the recipe card below.

Small Shell Pasta- The base of the salad that keeps it filling and satisfying.
Frozen Peas- Adds the perfect pop of color and texture that goes perfectly with the bacon bits.
Bacon Bits or Cooked And Crumbled Bacon- Adds a salty, meaty crunch to compliment the rich dressing.
Parmesan Cheese- Brings the perfect amount of richness and saltiness
Mayonnaise- The creamy base for the dressing.
Olive Oil- Smooths out the creamy dressing.
Apple Cider Vinegar- Brings just the right amount of acidity
Sugar- Cuts the richness of the apple cider vinegar and levels out the dressing.
Salt And Pepper- Enhances all the other ingredients
Garlic Powder- Adds depth of flavor to the salad
Onion Powder- Brings an earthy flavor throughout the whole dish
Dried Parsley- An optional garnish that adds a little color

How To Make It

Here's how to make this delicious side pasta salad. You can find the full ingredients list along with instructions on the recipe card below.

First, in a large bowl, add the pasta, frozen peas, bacon and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

PRO TIP: Running the pasta under cold water will stop the cooking process and prevent it from absorbing too much of the dressing.

NOTE: No need to defrost the peas, they can go in frozen. It will help keep the pasta salad cold and they thaw very quickly, too.

Now, in a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and parsley. Pour the dressing into the bowl of pasta. Mix everything together until it’s evenly combined.

Now, cover the bowl and place it into the fridge for 2 hours so the flavors can combine. Finally, toss everything together one last time, serve and enjoy!

NOTE: If the pasta is a little too dry, feel free to add in a few more tablespoons of mayonnaise.

What Can I Serve This With?

Pasta salads like this are awesome because they can be served with just about anything. I love to take it to BBQ's to serve with hot dogs, hamburgers and grilled chicken. It even goes great with sandwiches for lunch.

Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you absolutely can make this up to a day ahead of when you'll need it. Just keep in mind that the pasta will absorb some of the dressing. Make a little extra to stir in before serving so it doesn't taste too dry.

Storage

Place the pasta salad in a air tight food safe container. It will last in the fridge for up to three days.