Creamy Pasta Salad: The Side Dish That Steals the Show

Okay, so who doesn’t love a good pasta salad? Like, it’s basically the Swiss army knife of side dishes—perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or just a random Tuesday night when you’re craving something delicious.

So, just picture this: It’s a sunny Saturday, and you’re trying to whip up something tasty for a little get-together. You open your fridge and stare blankly, and then it hits you—Pasta salad! I remember the first time I made this creamy goodness. I was trying to impress my friends (you know, the ones who Instagram everything). I threw in whatever I had: pasta, peas, Turkey Bacon, and, of course, a mountain of creamy dressing! Let me tell ya, it was a glorious mess. They devoured it in seconds!

Okay, Let’s Talk Ingredients

Alright, here’s the deal—you’re gonna need some stuff from the grocery store. Grab:

– 12 oz of small pasta noodles (any kind you like, spiral or bowtie, I don’t judge)
– 2 cups of frozen peas (thawed—don’t forget this, they’re not the same when they’re still icy)
– 12 oz of thick cut Turkey Bacon (can we talk about how crispy this makes everything?)
– 1/2 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese (because we all like it cheesy, right?)
– 3/4 cup of mayo (the creamy base, baby!)
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil (for smoothness)
– 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (a little zing never hurt anyone)
– 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar (trust me, it’s a game-changer)
– Salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper (seasoning is key, people!)

So Here’s Why I Make This Constantly

Honestly, this recipe just screams nostalgia for me. My aunt used to make it every summer for family picnics, and I always looked forward to it! I can still picture that big ol’ bowl just sitting there, all creamy and inviting. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up! Like, I could do it with my eyes closed (but let’s not test that, okay?). It’s become my go-to for every gathering; my friends are practically expecting it now! 😂

The One Trick That Changes Everything

Alright, listen closely—here’s my magic tip: always rinse your pasta in cold water after cooking. Seriously, it stops that cooking process and keeps your pasta from getting mushy and sad. Nobody wants sad pasta! Just drain it, run it under cold water, and give it a good shake. 🙌

Don’t Mess This Up (My Top Tips)

1. Watch that Bacon!—I’ve burnt a few strips of Turkey Bacon. It happens. Keep an eye on it so it’s crispy, but not charcoal.

2. Taste as You Go—Add the sugar slowly. Trust me, too much makes it weird. Start with a bit, taste, then decide if you need more.

3. Chill, Chill, Chill—I know you’re hungry, but let that pasta salad chill in the fridge for at least an hour. The flavors get all friendly and it’s sooo worth the wait.

How to Keep Them From Disappearing (Or, How to Store Them)

Okay, if you somehow have leftovers (which is a miracle), just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3 days. But honestly, I’ve never had any left after a party. It’s just that good.

If You Liked This, You’ll Probably Like These Too

You gotta try my Easy Caprese Pasta next! It’s fresh, it’s quick, and it’s got that summer vibe. Or how about some Creamy Garlic Mac and Cheese? Just sayin’, you won’t regret it!

So, what’s your go-to summer side dish? I’m always looking for new inspo! 💖