Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon & Peas: A Crowd-Pleasing Classic with Comfort Appeal

If there’s one dish that never fails to disappear quickly at gatherings, it’s a creamy pasta salad with bacon & peas. This timeless combination brings together tender pasta, sweet green peas, crispy bacon, and a rich, velvety dressing that coats every bite. It’s comforting yet fresh, indulgent without being heavy, and endlessly versatile.

Unlike vinaigrette-based pasta salads that lean sharp and acidic, this creamy version focuses on balance and texture. The peas add sweetness and color, the bacon delivers savory crunch, and the dressing ties everything together with smooth, tangy richness. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, holiday potluck, picnic, or weeknight dinner, this pasta salad feels both familiar and irresistible.

This recipe is designed to be reliable, make-ahead friendly, and universally loved. It uses simple ingredients, straightforward techniques, and produces consistent results every time. It’s the kind of dish people ask for again—and again.

Why This Creamy Pasta Salad Works So Well

This pasta salad succeeds because each component has a clear role:

• Short pasta holds onto the creamy dressing without becoming mushy
• Sweet peas add freshness and balance the richness
• Crispy bacon provides salty crunch and depth
• Creamy dressing brings everything together with a smooth, savory finish

The key is letting the pasta cool slightly before mixing, which allows the dressing to cling without separating. The result is a pasta salad that stays creamy—not greasy or watery—even after chilling.

Perfect Occasions for Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon & Peas

This dish shines in so many settings:

• Summer barbecues and cookouts
• Potlucks and family gatherings
• Holiday buffets
• Picnic spreads
• Weeknight dinners as a side dish
• Meal prep lunches

It’s equally comfortable next to grilled meats, sandwiches, or served on its own as a light main.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

• 12 oz short pasta (rotini, shells, or bowties)
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives

For the Creamy Dressing

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 small garlic clove, finely minced

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta
   Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water. Set aside to cool completely.
2. Prepare the bacon
   Cook bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the dressing
   In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, sugar, salt, pepper, and minced garlic until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the salad
   In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, peas, bacon, Parmesan cheese, red onion (if using), and herbs.
5. Add the dressing
   Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
6. Chill and serve
   Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Stir once more before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Creamy Pasta Salad with Bacon & Peas

A classic creamy pasta salad made with tender pasta, sweet peas, crispy bacon, and a rich, tangy dressing.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta Salad

• 12 oz short pasta rotini or shells
• 1 cup peas thawed
• 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 0.25 cup red onion finely chopped, optional
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives chopped

Creamy Dressing

• 0.75 cup mayonnaise
• 0.25 cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 clove garlic minced

Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and cool completely.
2. Cook bacon until crisp and crumble.
3. Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, mustard, lemon juice, sugar, salt, pepper, and garlic.
4. Combine pasta, peas, bacon, Parmesan, onion, and herbs in a large bowl.
5. Fold in dressing until evenly coated.
6. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Flavor and Texture You Can Expect

This creamy pasta salad is smooth, savory, and perfectly balanced. The dressing is rich but not overpowering, with just enough tang to keep it lively. The peas burst with sweetness, the bacon stays crisp, and the pasta remains tender yet structured.

As it chills, the flavors deepen, making it even better the next day.

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta Salad

• Salt your pasta water well: This is your only chance to season the pasta itself.
• Cool pasta completely: Warm pasta will absorb too much dressing and turn greasy.
• Reserve extra dressing: Stir in a tablespoon or two before serving if it thickens too much.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts into the dressing better than pre-shredded cheese.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible:

• Add protein: Diced grilled chicken or ham works beautifully
• Make it smoky: Use smoked bacon or add a pinch of smoked paprika
• Extra veggies: Add diced celery, bell peppers, or blanched asparagus
• Cheese swap: Try sharp cheddar or Gruyère for a different flavor profile
• Lightened version: Replace half the mayo with Greek yogurt

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy pasta salad chilled or lightly cool. It pairs exceptionally well with:

• Grilled chicken or steak
• Burgers and hot dogs
• BBQ ribs
• Sandwiches and wraps

It also works as a standalone lunch, especially when paired with fresh fruit or a simple green salad.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make ahead: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance
• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Refresh before serving: Stir in a splash of milk or extra dressing if needed

This dish holds its texture beautifully, making it ideal for entertaining.

Why This Recipe Is a Staple

Creamy pasta salad with bacon & peas has endured for good reason. It’s comforting, adaptable, and universally appealing. This version respects the classic while refining it—balanced seasoning, thoughtful texture, and a dressing that enhances rather than overwhelms.

Once you add this recipe to your rotation, it quickly becomes one of those dependable dishes you reach for whenever you need something guaranteed to please.

Final Thoughts

This creamy pasta salad with bacon & peas is proof that simple ingredients, when handled well, can create something truly memorable. It’s rich yet refreshing, hearty yet bright, and endlessly versatile.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for the week, this pasta salad delivers comfort, flavor, and confidence—every single time.