The irresistible combination of vibrant peas, crispy bacon, and savory cheese complemented by a luscious creamy dressing, creates a perfect harmony of flavors in this pea pasta salad.
Pea Pasta Salad
First things first, this salad is absolutely delicious when made simply with pasta and peas tossed in the creamy dressing. It stands alone with no need for the optional cheese or bacon.
That said, do we ever really need cheese and bacon? Well, there’s an argument for that, but in all seriousness, this pea pasta salad is excellent by itself without them.
If you are inclined to add them (and yes, I usually am), the bacon and cheese will only make the salad tastier. We make it both with and without the extras and however we make it, this pasta salad is devoured.
Pasta Salad with Peas
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this recipe:
- elbow macaroni
- peas
- green onions
- mayonnaise
- white wine vinegar
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- sugar
- cheddar cheese
- bacon
Pasta Salad with Bacon and Peas
Start by cooking the pasta according to the directions on the package, adding a generous tablespoon or so of kosher salt to the water as it cooks. Rinse well with cold water to cool and remove any excess starch.
While the pasta is cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
Add the cooked pasta, peas, and green onions to the bowl with the dressing and stir well to coat.
If desired, add the cheese and bacon and stir again, tasting and adjusting seasonings as needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Stir again, just before serving.
Pasta Salad with Peas and Cheese
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Pea Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 12-16 ounces frozen peas thawed
- ⅓ cup thinly sliced green onions about 5 onions worth
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 4 teaspoons white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese diced small, about 1 cup OPTIONAL
- ½ pound bacon, about 8-10 slices cooked and crumbled, about 1 cup OPTIONAL
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package, adding a generous tablespoon or so of kosher salt to the water as it cooks. Rinse well with cold water.
- Stir together the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked pasta, peas, and green onions to the bowl and stir well to coat.
- Add the cheese and bacon, if desired, and stir again. Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Stir again just before serving.
Nutrition
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