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bacon and pea pasta salad
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5 stars from 1 review

Creamy Pasta Salad with Peas and Bacon

Creamy Bacon Pea Pasta Salad is super quick and easy to make and smothered in the most delicious lemon chive dressing! You can make the salad ahead of time for the perfect stress-free potluck or dinner side that everyone will love!
Author: Donna Elick
Servings: 6 -8
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces medium pasta shells or other small pasta
  • 2 cups frozen petite peas thawed
  • 8 ounces thick-cut bacon cooked and chopped

Lemon Chive Dressing

  • 2/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

Instructions

  • COOK PASTA: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces pasta shells and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil and toss to prevent sticking.
  • MAKE DRESSING: In a medium bowl, whisk together ⅔ cup mayonnaise, ⅓ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, ¾ teaspoon salt, ¾ teaspoon pepper, ½ teaspoon sugar, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried parsley, and ¼ cup chopped chives until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  • COMBINE: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, 2 cups thawed peas, and the Lemon Chive Dressing until evenly coated.
  • ADD BACON AND SERVE: Just before serving, stir in 8 ounces cooked and chopped bacon. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Make-Ahead: The salad (without bacon) can be made up to 1 day ahead. Stir in bacon just before serving so it stays crisp.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended; mayonnaise-based dressings separate when thawed.
Ingredient Note: For extra brightness, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest from one large lemon.
Pro Tip: Cook the bacon until crisp for the best texture contrast with the creamy dressing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 689cal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 47g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 733mg | Sugar: 5g | Fiber: 5g | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 2mg