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    Home » Recipes » Salads

    Bacon and Pea Pasta Salad

    Published: Jul 16, 2020 · Modified: Aug 6, 2020 by Fox Valley Foodie · This post may contain affiliate links

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    Bacon and Pea Pasta Salad

    Bacon and pea pasta salad is loaded with crispy bacon, tender peas, shredded sharp Cheddar, shell pasta, and a creamy dressing spiked with red wine vinegar.

    Bacon and Pea Pasta Salad topped with cheese in copper bowl.

    Thoughts and Tips on Ingredients

    • Small pasta shells - I think small pasta shells are best because every ingredient added to this salad is petite. You don't want your pasta to overwhelm the other ingredients.
    • Peas - Use fresh or thawed frozen peas. Skip the canned peas which tend to be mushy.
    • Bacon - I use chopped thick-cut bacon, but regular bacon will work just fine as well.
    • Sharp cheddar - I like the pronounced flavor sharp cheddar brings, get the regular shreds, not the thinner fancy shreds.
    • Mayo - Mayo forms the base of the dressing.
    • Sour cream - Sour cream adds a little tanginess to the dressing.
    • Red Wine Vinegar - Adds bright flavor to the pasta salad that contrasts nicely with smoky bacon.
    • Sugar - Optional, but adds a nice touch of sweetness.
    • Salt - This will vary depending on the saltiness of your bacon.
    Pea Pasta Salad ingredients in dish shown with fork.

    How to make this pasta salad

    Making a pasta salad is easy, as the ingredients simply need to be mixed together generally, and this recipe is no different. However, for best results, I like mixing the dressing separately first, and then adding it into the salad. Also, be sure to rinse your cooked pasta under cold water to cool it down so you don't end up serving a warm pasta salad.

    How to serve it

    Since this is a mayo and sour cream (dairy) based pasta salad you can't let it sit at room temperature all day, or you risk food poisoning your party guests. I recommend serving this is in a chilled bowl to keep it cool while you enjoy the party. Otherwise, it should sit out for no more than a couple hours before returning to the fridge.

    Can this be made in advance?

    This bacon pea pasta salad can be made in advance, but it is best served right away. I find the pasta soaks up moisture from the dressing and it becomes increasingly less creamy as it sits in the refrigerator.

    Bacon and pea pasta salad with cheese sprinkled on top next to towel.

    More Pasta Salad Ideas

    • Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
    • Taco Pasta Salad
    • Pepperoni Pizza Pasta Salad
    • BBQ Pasta Salad
    Bacon and Pea Pasta Salad

    Bacon and Pea Pasta Salad

    Bacon and pea pasta salad is loaded with crispy bacon, tender peas, shell pasta, and a creamy dressing spiked with red wine vinegar.
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    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 642kcal
    Author: Fox Valley Foodie

    Ingredients

    • 12 ounces small pasta shells
    • 2 cups peas (fresh or frozen & thawed)
    • 12 ounces thick cut bacon (cooked and chopped)
    • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
    • 1 cup mayo
    • ½ cup sour cream
    • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
    • ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more as needed)

    Instructions

    • Boil a pot of water and cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
    • While pasta is boiling cook the bacon until crispy, then set on paper towels to drain and crumble once cooled.
    • Prepare the dressing by mixing mayo, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
    • Add all pasta salad ingredients to a large bowl, stir in dressing and serve.

    Notes

    The amount of salt needed can vary depending on the saltiness of your bacon. Start with ¼ teaspoon and add more as needed.

    Nutritional Information

    Calories: 642kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 636mg | Potassium: 307mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 542IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 140mg | Iron: 1mg
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