Pea Pasta Salad is the ultimate side dish for your summer gatherings. This creamy, flavorful salad combines tender pasta shells with sweet peas, crispy Turkey Bacon, and a zesty ranch dressing. Perfect for potlucks or BBQs, this recipe is sure to impress with its delightful textures and vibrant colors. The unique pairing of ingredients not only makes it delicious but also a crowd-pleaser that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip this salad up in no time.
- Flavorful Combination: The tangy ranch seasoning complements the sweetness of peas and the savory crunch of Turkey Bacon.
- Versatile for Occasions: Whether it’s a family gathering, picnic, or potluck, this salad fits right in.
- Great for Leftovers: Enjoy the creamy goodness even the next day—if there are any leftovers!
- Colorful Presentation: The vibrant greens and yellows make this dish visually appealing on any table.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing Pea Pasta Salad requires some basic kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Cooking pot
- Colander
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all your ingredients evenly without making a mess.
- Spatula: Helps ensure every ingredient is well mixed without damaging the delicate pasta shells.
- Cooking pot: Necessary for boiling the mini pasta shells to perfection.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. mini pasta shells (cooked and cooled)
- 2 cups frozen peas (frozen or refrigerator thawed, but they began as frozen)
- 1 cup real mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 6 strips Turkey Bacon (cooked and chopped into small pieces)
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Pea Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon
To begin this pea pasta salad, cook and chop 6 strips of crispy Turkey Bacon. To save time, pre-cooked Turkey Bacon or Turkey Bacon bits may be used, but we always recommend fresh ingredients for the best flavor. If you have an air fryer, Turkey Bacon cooks quickly in it.
Step 2: Prepare the Mini Pasta Shells
While Turkey Bacon is cooking, boil mini pasta shells according to package directions. Drain them and rinse with cold water. If the shells stick together before moving on to the next part of the salad instructions, simply re-rinse them to unstick them and make sure excess water is shaken out well.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once Turkey Bacon is finished cooking, set it aside to cool before chopping into small bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, add mayonnaise and ranch seasoning. Stir until fully combined.
Step 4: Mix Everything Together
Once your homemade dressing is ready, add shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, crispy Turkey Bacon, cooled pasta shells, and frozen peas to the bowl. Using a spatula, gently stir everything together until all ingredients are coated with dressing.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Pea pasta salad works best served cold. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours or overnight before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully while ensuring that the peas soften but still remain firm.
Step 6: Serve with Garnish
Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese and Turkey Bacon before serving if desired. Enjoy your delicious pea pasta salad!
How to Serve Pea Pasta Salad
Pea pasta salad is a versatile side dish that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a casual family dinner, here are some creative serving suggestions to make the most of this delicious salad.
As a Standalone Dish
- A perfect light meal option on warm days, pea pasta salad can be served in individual bowls for easy dining.
With Grilled Meats
- Pairing this salad with grilled chicken or steak enhances the flavors. The creamy dressing complements the smoky taste of grilled meats beautifully.
On a Picnic Platter
- Serve pea pasta salad as part of a picnic spread alongside sandwiches and fresh fruit. Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing.
In Lettuce Wraps
- For a low-carb option, spoon pea pasta salad into large lettuce leaves. This adds a fresh crunch while keeping it light and healthy.
As a Snack
- Pack pea pasta salad into small containers for an easy snack on the go. It’s convenient and satisfying, making it great for lunchboxes.
How to Perfect Pea Pasta Salad
Creating the ideal pea pasta salad involves a few simple tips that can enhance its flavor and texture immensely.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh peas and crispy Turkey Bacon make a significant difference in taste compared to frozen or pre-packaged options.
- Chill Before Serving – Allowing the salad to chill in the fridge for several hours lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Adjust Seasoning – Taste before serving and adjust salt or ranch seasoning according to your preference for an extra kick.
- Add More Veggies – Incorporating diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes can add color and nutrition, making the dish even more appealing.
- Mix Well – Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined so each bite is filled with creamy goodness and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Pea Pasta Salad
When planning your meal, consider these delightful side dishes that pair well with pea pasta salad. They complement its flavors perfectly and create a balanced dining experience.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet and smoky, grilled corn adds a seasonal touch that’s perfect for summer barbecues.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing contrast to creamy salads.
- Garlic Breadsticks – Soft breadsticks with garlic butter are always a favorite and provide a hearty side to lighter dishes.
- Coleslaw – Crunchy coleslaw adds texture and brightness, making it an excellent companion for rich salads like pea pasta.
- Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa add both nutrition and visual appeal to your table.
- Fruit Salad – A mixture of seasonal fruits provides natural sweetness that balances savory dishes nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a delicious pea pasta salad, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the final dish. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:
Using warm ingredients: Starting with warm pasta or bacon can lead to a soggy salad. Always cool your cooked ingredients before mixing them into the salad.
Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can overwhelm the flavors. Start with a small amount and add more gradually until you reach your desired creaminess.
Skipping refrigeration time: Not allowing the salad to chill can result in a less flavorful dish. For best results, refrigerate your pea pasta salad for at least 2-4 hours or overnight.
Neglecting seasoning adjustments: If you find your salad bland, you may need to adjust the seasoning. Taste and add extra ranch seasoning or salt as needed for enhanced flavor.
Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using stale or expired ingredients will compromise taste. Always check the freshness of your mayonnaise, cheese, and bacon before using them in your recipe.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store pea pasta salad in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Make sure to cover tightly to prevent drying out.
Freezing Pea Pasta Salad
- Freezing is not recommended as it can alter texture.
- If necessary, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before serving; however, expect some changes in texture.
Reheating Pea Pasta Salad
Oven: Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Transfer portions into a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring between until warmed properly.
Stovetop: In a pan over low heat, gently stir until warmed through; avoid overheating which may make it mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pea Pasta Salad?
Pea pasta salad is a creamy side dish made with mini pasta shells, peas, turkey bacon, cheese, and ranch dressing. It’s perfect for potlucks and barbecues.
Can I customize my Pea Pasta Salad?
Absolutely! You can add other ingredients like bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or even swap out turkey bacon for regular bacon or ham.
How can I make Pea Pasta Salad healthier?
To make it healthier, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and reducing the amount of cheese used while increasing vegetable content.
What types of peas should I use in my Pea Pasta Salad?
Frozen peas work best as they are sweet and retain their texture. Fresh peas can also be used if available and seasonal.
How long does Pea Pasta Salad last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, pea pasta salad can last up to 3 days. Always check for freshness before eating leftovers.
Final Thoughts
This pea pasta salad is not only creamy and flavorful but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables or proteins according to your taste preferences. Perfect for summer BBQs or as a delightful side dish at any gathering, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Try it today and enjoy delicious leftovers!
Pea Pasta Salad
Pea Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for any summer gathering, boasting a delightful blend of flavors and textures. This creamy salad features tender mini pasta shells, sweet peas, crispy Turkey Bacon, and zesty ranch dressing, making it an irresistible choice for potlucks and BBQs alike. With its vibrant colors and delicious taste, this salad will have everyone coming back for seconds. Quick and easy to make, it’s ideal for busy hosts who still want to impress their guests with a crowd-pleasing dish.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 8 oz mini pasta shells (cooked and cooled)
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 1 cup real mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 6 strips Turkey Bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
Instructions
- Cook and chop the Turkey Bacon until crispy.
- Boil the mini pasta shells according to package instructions; drain and cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise and ranch seasoning.
- Add cheddar cheese, green onions, Turkey Bacon, cooled pasta shells, and frozen peas to the bowl. Mix gently to combine.
- Refrigerate for 2-4 hours or overnight before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: For added crunch, consider including diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes. To lighten it up, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. Be sure to allow the salad ample chilling time for optimal flavor.