Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe

I recently ventured into a delicious bacon pasta salad that features tender rotini, bright peas, and crispy bacon enveloped in a luxurious blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. This creamy creation celebrates classic flavors and offers a delightfully refreshing twist to any casual meal.

I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen for a while now and this Creamy Pasta Salad quickly became a fave of mine. I love a good salad pasta that brings together the crunch of crispy bacon and the soft bite of rotini pasta, and this recipe does exactly that.

I start with 8 oz rotini pasta that i cook and cool off before mixing it up with 1 cup frozen peas (thawed of course) and 6 slices bacon fried until its just crispy enough to crumble. The dressing is a simple yet bold blend of 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 1/2 cup sour cream, with a tablespoon apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon sugar playing their part, plus salt and pepper to taste.

This isn’t your run of the mill bacon pasta salad its one of those best salad recipes that gives you a cool creamy pasta experience every time you dig in. Enjoy experimenting with it like i do!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, I like how the bacon adds a salty crunch that perfectly contrasts with the creamy pasta and peas. Second, the dressing made from mayo, sour cream, and apple cider vinegar gives it a tangy kick that makes each bite exciting. Third, I appreciate that it’s super easy to make and only requires a few ingredients, so it’s perfect when I need something tasty in a hurry. Lastly, I like that the flavors all come together better after it chills in the fridge, making it a great dish to bring to a potluck or a casual barbecue.

Ingredients

• 8 oz rotini pasta: Provides carbohydrates that fuel energy and give a satisfying base.
• 1 cup frozen peas: Rich in fiber, vitamins and protein, add a fresh, natural taste.
• 6 slices bacon: Offers crispy, smoky flavor that elevates taste, but use moderately.
• Mayonnaise: Provides creaminess and rich texture to bind ingredients perfectly.
• Sour cream: Adds tang and smooth creaminess while balancing the overall flavors.
• Apple cider vinegar: Gives a tangy kick and light sweetness to round off flavors.
• Salt and ground black pepper: Season perfectly, enhancing every flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Sugar: A touch of sweetness that balances the tang perfectly.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 oz rotini pasta (cooked and cooled)
• 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
• 6 slices bacon (fried until crispy then crumbled)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Start by cooking 8 oz of rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 8 to 10 minutes, then drain it and rinse with cold water to cool it down.

2. While the pasta’s cooking, thaw 1 cup of frozen peas by leaving them out at room temperature or rinsing under cold water.

3. Fry 6 slices of bacon in a pan until they are crispy, then let them drain on paper towels and crumble them into small pieces.

4. In a large mixing bowl, stir together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of sugar.

5. Season the dressing with salt and ground black pepper to taste, and give it a good mix.

6. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the creamy dressing and toss to coat the noodles evenly.

7. Next, mix in the thawed peas and crumbled bacon, ensuring everything is well combined.

8. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

9. Serve chilled as a perfect side dish for dinner, potlucks or barbecues, and enjoy your creamy pasta salad!

Equipment Needed

1. A large pot to boil water for the pasta
2. A colander to drain and rinse the pasta
3. A frying pan to cook the bacon
4. A large mixing bowl to combine the dressing and pasta
5. Measuring cups and spoons to get the right amounts
6. Paper towels to drain the bacon
7. Plastic wrap to cover the bowl while it chills
8. A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring everything together

FAQ

Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of rotini pasta you can use fusilli or penne. They hold the creamy dressing real good.
• If you don’t have frozen peas you can try fresh peas (just blanch ’em for a few minutes) or even broccoli florets for a similar crunch.
• For the bacon, turkey bacon works as a leaner substitute. If you’re vegetarian, you might wanna skip it or try crispy fried mushrooms instead.
• If you dont have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is a awesome swap. It gives a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture.

Pro Tips

1. Try using the pasta water or a bit of extra vinegar if your dressing seems too thick or heavy. A splash of pasta water while tossing the pasta can help get a more even coating and really bring the flavors together.
2. Let the pasta salad chill for even longer than the minimum 30 minutes if you can. Giving it a few hours helps the dressing to really soak in all the other ingredients and makes each bite tastier.
3. When you cook the bacon, be careful not to overcook it too much. Leaving a bit of chewiness instead of it being super crisp can add an extra layer of texture to the salad.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning a couple of times. Sometimes just a pinch more salt or a tad more sugar can change the profile of the dressing and make it even more balanced.