Description
Creamy Turkey Bacon Pasta Salad with Peas is a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for any gathering or casual family dinner. This easy-to-make salad features al dente pasta, crispy turkey bacon, and sweet peas, all tossed in a zesty Lemon Parmesan dressing. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this pasta salad can be served as a satisfying main course or a delightful side dish. Best of all, it can be prepared ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or picnics. Customize it with your favorite vegetables for an extra twist that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 12 oz medium shells pasta
- 2 cups frozen petite peas
- 8 oz thick-cut turkey bacon
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Spices: dried basil, chives, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and spices to create the dressing. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Rinse with cold water and drain. Drizzle lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with thawed peas and chopped turkey bacon.
- Add half of the chilled dressing to the pasta mixture and toss until well combined. If serving later, cover and refrigerate now.
- When ready to serve, add the remaining dressing and gently toss again.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: For added crunch and flavor, consider mixing in fresh bell peppers or cherry tomatoes. Make sure to add turkey bacon just before serving to maintain its crispiness.