Pea Pasta Salad is a delightful and creamy dish that shines at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or attending a potluck, this salad is sure to impress. Its vibrant colors and rich flavors, from the fresh peas to the crunchy Turkey Bacon, make it an irresistible choice. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, ensuring you have more time to enjoy your event!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal effort and can be ready in just 20 minutes.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of creamy dressing, ranch seasoning, and Turkey Bacon creates a taste sensation.
- Versatile for Occasions: Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or family gatherings; it fits any occasion seamlessly.
- Delicious Leftovers: Enjoy the tasty salad the next day; it holds up well in the fridge!
- Colorful Presentation: The bright green peas and colorful ingredients make this salad visually appealing.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools will make your cooking experience even better. Here are some essential items you’ll need for this recipe.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Cooking pot
- Strainer
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without making a mess.
- Spatula: Perfect for mixing gently, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated with dressing.
- Cooking pot: Needed for boiling pasta; choose one that’s large enough for easy stirring.
- Strainer: Helps drain excess water from pasta effectively.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 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
How to Make Pea Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook Turkey Bacon
To begin this pea pasta salad, cook and chop 6 strips of crispy Turkey Bacon. For convenience, you can use pre-cooked Turkey Bacon or Turkey Bacon bits if time is short. However, fresh ingredients provide the best flavor. An air fryer works great for quick cooking!
Step 2: Prepare Mini Pasta Shells
While the Turkey Bacon is cooking, boil the mini pasta shells according to package directions. Once done, drain them well and rinse with cold water to cool them down. If they stick together, re-rinse until they separate easily.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once the Turkey Bacon has cooled down, chop it into small bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, add mayonnaise and ranch seasoning together until well mixed.
Step 4: Mix Everything Together
Add shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, cooled pasta shells, frozen peas, and chopped Turkey Bacon to the bowl with dressing. Use a spatula to mix everything thoroughly so that all ingredients are covered in dressing.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
For optimal flavor, refrigerate the pea pasta salad for 2-4 hours or overnight before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the peas firm yet tender.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Before serving, feel free to top with additional shredded cheddar cheese and chopped Turkey Bacon if desired. This creamy Pea Pasta Salad makes a fantastic side dish that everyone will love!
How to Serve Pea Pasta Salad
Pea pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways, making it an excellent choice for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or a simple family dinner, here are some delightful serving suggestions.
As a Standalone Dish
- Serve chilled in individual bowls for a refreshing meal option.
- Pair with crusty bread to soak up the creamy dressing.
As a Side for Grilled Meats
- Complement grilled chicken or turkey for a hearty meal.
- It also goes well with lamb chops, adding a creamy contrast to smoky flavors.
At Potlucks and Gatherings
- Present in a large bowl with colorful garnishes for an eye-catching display.
- Allow guests to help themselves for easy serving and enjoyment.
With Fresh Herbs
- Top with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or dill for added flavor.
- This adds freshness and visual appeal to the dish.
How to Perfect Pea Pasta Salad
To ensure your pea pasta salad is always a hit, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality mayonnaise enhance the salad’s flavor significantly.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the dressing and peas.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours; this allows flavors to meld beautifully and enhances texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving; you can always add more ranch seasoning or salt if needed.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Try adding diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra color and crunch.
- Use Fresh Peas When Possible: If you have access to fresh peas, they elevate the dish and provide better texture than frozen ones.
Best Side Dishes for Pea Pasta Salad
Pea pasta salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options that complement its creamy texture.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus add a smoky flavor that balances the richness of the salad.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage and carrots provides a nice contrast in texture and flavor.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings out the sweetness in peas while providing an enjoyable crunch.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa make an appealing side that is filling and nutritious.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up creamy bites of pea pasta salad while adding delicious flavor.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers a sweet counterpoint to the savory elements of the pasta dish, making it ideal for warm weather gatherings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Pea Pasta Salad, it’s easy to overlook some details that can impact flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to avoid.
- Using warm ingredients: Always cool your pasta and Turkey Bacon before mixing. Warm ingredients can cause the dressing to become runny.
- Skipping the chilling time: Allowing the salad to chill for a few hours enhances the flavors. Skipping this step may result in a bland taste.
- Not seasoning enough: Ensure you mix in adequate ranch seasoning for flavor. Under-seasoning can lead to a lackluster dish.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cook mini pasta shells until al dente. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and affect the overall texture of your salad.
- Ignoring ingredient proportions: Stick closely to the ingredient measurements provided for balance. Adjusting them can alter the final taste and consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Pea Pasta Salad in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Pea Pasta Salad
- Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture of the peas and pasta.
- If necessary, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
Reheating Pea Pasta Salad
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Gently warm on low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Pea Pasta Salad:
What can I substitute for Turkey Bacon?
You can use cooked chicken or turkey pieces as a lean alternative while still achieving great flavor.
Can I make Pea Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes! This dish tastes even better when made a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld together.
How do I customize my Pea Pasta Salad?
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch and color.
What dressing can I use instead of mayonnaise?
For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning for creaminess without the calories.
Final Thoughts
Pea Pasta Salad is a delightful side dish perfect for any gathering or BBQ. Its creamy texture combined with fresh peas and crunchy Turkey Bacon makes it irresistible. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins for added flair. Enjoy this versatile recipe all spring and summer long!
Pea Pasta Salad
Pea Pasta Salad is a vibrant, creamy dish that’s perfect for any gathering, from summer BBQs to family potlucks. This delightful salad combines tender mini pasta shells with fresh peas and crunchy turkey bacon, all coated in a rich ranch dressing. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare! Ready in just 20 minutes, this salad can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you enjoy your event. With its colorful presentation and irresistible taste, Pea Pasta Salad is sure to become a crowd favorite!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 8 oz. mini pasta shells (cooked and cooled)
- 2 cups frozen peas (thawed)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 6 strips turkey bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the turkey bacon until crispy and chop into small pieces.
- Boil the mini pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise and ranch seasoning.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, cooled pasta shells, peas, and chopped turkey bacon to the bowl.
- Mix everything thoroughly with a spatula until well combined.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg