Creamy Bacon Parmesan Pasta Salad

This creamy bacon parmesan pasta salad is a great dish to enjoy year round. It goes just as well at a summer BBQ as it does on the Thanksgiving side dishes menu. Everyone will love quick and easy side dish recipe, even the kids enjoy this one! 

This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase after clicking on a link, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

Creamy Bacon Parmesan Pasta Salad

There are a lot of reasons why pasta salad makes appearances on our summer meal plan. It’s quick and easy to make. Much like this quinoa salad recipe it’s a versatile dish that goes well alongside a main protein but can also be enjoyed on its own! If you are planning any summer pool parties this recipe should be on your menu! 

Is this a quick pasta salad recipe? 

This is definitely a quick recipe. You can have this pasta salad recipe ready to go in about 30 minutes total. I think it’s better after a day in the fridge, but you can enjoy it right after cooking if you want! The flavors are so great and the creamy texture is really nice. 

Can I meal prep with this salad recipe? 

You can definitely add this creamy bacon parmesan pasta salad to your list of recipes to meal prep. It holds up really well in the fridge for a few days or even a week.

I think that this makes an excellent cold meal. No reheating required so we take it along for swim meets and practices when I know we’ll need something to eat on the go! A salad like this makes a great choice for with lunches throughout the week too. 

What do I need to make some tasty bacon parmesan pasta salad?

The ingredients for this tasty pasta salad are really simple but they come together in a way that just makes something magical happen. The crunch of the bacon and the freshness of the peas really add a nice balance to this dish.

Of course, there’s also a little zing from the mayo and the apple cider vinegar as well, there’s something for everyone in this pasta salad! 

• shell pasta
• mayo
• shredded Parmesan cheese
• frozen peas
• lemon
• apple cider vinegar
• bacon
• salt and pepper
• Italian parsley

 

Can I used canned peas? 

I really wouldn’t try it, just because the peas in a can are so tender. They’ll go to mush when you stir up and toss the salad. If you want to use fresh peas you can try that but be careful not to overcook them.

Frozen peas really are the simplest option in this case, but if you don’t have them you can try something else and let us know how it works out in the comments. 

You can leave them out if you like, or even sub in a different veggie. I think fresh broccoli would go great in this recipe and add a little bit more crunch! 

How to make this incredible pasta salad:

1. Boil pasta as directed on package.
2. Add frozen peas in the last few minutes of boiling.
3. Strain shells and peas.
4. Wash and strain with cold water to cool down the pasta and peas. Pour into a large bowl.
5. Juice the lemon. Stir in mayo, lemon juice, and vinegar.
6. Add parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Toss well until all ingredients are combined.
7. Top with bacon and parsley.
8. Place in fridge until ready to serve.

Wasn’t that easy? These steps are broken down a bit so that you can check them out easily in the recipe but it really is as easy as cooking everything, mixing it up, and tossing on the toppings.

You can prepare this on your own in a just a few minutes, or have the kids help out. There’s plenty of easy steps here that can be completed by even the littlest of kitchen helpers! 

Do you have any other delicious side dishes or pasta salads that I can try? 

Of course I do! You know I love sharing my favorite recipes with you and these sides and salads are no different. Here are some other excellent choices you can add to your next meal plan. 

• The Tastiest Quinoa Salad Recipe!
• Delicious Corn Salad With Bacon
• Vegetarian Greek Quinoa Salad
• Simple Oil & Vinegar Potato Salad
• Tortellini Chickpea Pasta Salad

There are so many more! Don’t miss out on some of these great, easy to prep, cold summer meals. No need to heat up the kitchen every night by cooking. Just pull out these bowls and let everyone fix their favorites! All of these pair nicely with a fresh salad or veggies as well. 

Printable Creamy Bacon Parmesan Pasta Salad Recipe: