This creamy fusilli pasta salad fuses tender noodles with crispy bacon and green peas. A blend of mayonnaise and sour cream, balanced by apple cider vinegar and sugar, coats every bite. Enhanced with chopped parsley, this dish offers a perfectly refreshing, indulgent medley ideal for lively picnics and family gatherings.

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I’ve been experimenting with a creamy pasta salad recipe that really delivers in terms of flavor and nutrition. I use 12 oz fusilli pasta which cooks up fast and holds the sauce well.

Then I mix in 6 slices of bacon that I’ve cooked until crispy and roughly chopped; this not only adds protein but also a smoky flavor. I also toss in 1 cup of thawed green peas for a dose of vitamins and a bit of sweetness.

The dressing is made with 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 1/2 cup sour cream combined with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of sugar, then seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This blend provides a balanced mix of fats and tanginess making it one of my best salad recipes.

I sometimes top it with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for a hint of freshness and extra color.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because the creamy dressing makes every bite feel really indulgent even when its just a simple pasta salad. I also love how the crispy bacon adds this amazing crunch and flavor that really makes the dish stand out. The peas give it a nice burst of color and a touch of sweetness that balances the creaminess, and it all comes together so quickly and easily that it’s perfect for a last minute dinner or potluck. Lastly, the sprinkle of parsley on top adds a fresh note which makes me feel like i’m eating something a bit healthier even if its still a comfort food kind of vibe.

Ingredients

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Fusilli Pasta: Provides carbohydrates for energy n a twisty texture that holds flavor very well.
Bacon: Adds savory protein n crispiness making the salad super hearty n yum.
Green Peas: Packs fiber, vitamins n natural sweetness adding healthy crunch in every bite.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: They create a rich, creamy base with tangy notes n flawless smooth texture.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Lends a bright sour punch to balance the creaminess perfectly.
Parsley: Gives a fresh herbal finish n boosts flavor with subtle antioxidants to enjoy.
Sugar: Just a pinch enhances overall balance with a slight sweet complement.
Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings to amp up flavors n tie together the salad ingredients.
This dish strikes a perfect balance among creamy, tangy n savory flavors delightfully.

Ingredient Quantities

12 oz fusilli pasta (or your favorite type)

6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and roughly chopped

1 cup frozen green peas, thawed

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar

Salt to taste

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

How to Make this

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1. Boil 12 oz of fusilli pasta in a large pot of salted water until it’s al dente then drain and run it under cold water to stop the cooking.

2. While the pasta is cooking, fry 6 slices of bacon in a pan until they’re nice and crispy, then let them cool a bit and roughly chop them.

3. Thaw 1 cup of frozen green peas by leaving them at room temperature or giving them a quick rinse under cold water.

4. In a big bowl, mix together 1/2 cup mayo, 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Stir it well.

5. Season the dressing with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

6. Add the drained pasta, chopped bacon and peas into the bowl with the dressing.

7. Toss everything gently until the pasta and other ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.

8. If you like, sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley on top before serving for a pop of fresh flavor. Enjoy your creamy pasta salad!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot for boiling the pasta in salted water
2. Colander for draining and rinsing the pasta
3. Frying pan for crisping the bacon
4. Mixing bowl for combining the mayo, sour cream and other dressing ingredients
5. Measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure the ingredients
6. Kitchen knife for chopping the bacon and optionally the parsley
7. Spatula or large spoon for gently tossing all the ingredients together

FAQ

What can I use instead of bacon? You can replace bacon with turkey bacon or even omit it if you're going for a vegetarian version, but it might change the overall flavor a bit.

Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely, you can throw in celery, carrots, even cherry tomatoes for extra crunch and a pop of color.

How long will the pasta salad keep? If you store it in an airtight container in the fridge, it'll last for around 3 days though it might get a bit watery over time.

Is it ok to make this ahead of time? Yes, you can make it ahead but it's best to mix in the dressing shortly before serving so the pasta doesn't get too soft.

What type of pasta should I use? Fusilli is great because it holds the creamy sauce well, but you can use any pasta you like as long as it gives you a nice texture.

Can I adjust the creaminess of the dressing? Sure, if you prefer a lighter taste, try using less mayonnaise or sour cream, and add more vinegar for a tangy twist.

Creamy Pasta Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Bacon – you can try using turkey bacon or pancetta if you want a slightly different saltiness.
Frozen green peas – swap out for small broccoli florets or snap peas for a similar crunch.
Mayonnaise – plain greek yogurt is a good substitute if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Sour cream – you can use greek yogurt here too, or mix it with a bit of cream cheese for extra tang.
Apple cider vinegar – if you dont have this you can easily use lemon juice or white vinegar.

Pro Tips

1. Always salt your pasta water generously–it really boosts the flavor right from the start.
2. Don’t overcook the bacon; let it get super crispy then drain it on paper towels so it stays crunchy even after mixing into the salad.
3. Make sure the peas are fully thawed before adding ’em, otherwise they might water down your dressing.
4. Taste your dressing as you stir it up and add more vinegar or sugar if needed; everyone’s taste is different so adjust it till you like it.