This Ultimate Moist Creamy Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish that combines tender pasta, crispy bacon, fresh peas, and a rich homemade dressing that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re planning a summer barbecue, potluck dinner, or family gathering, this creamy pasta salad delivers incredible flavor and satisfying texture in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ultimate Moist Creamy Pasta Salad stands out from ordinary pasta salads because of its perfectly balanced flavors and textures. The combination of salty bacon, sweet peas, and tangy parmesan cheese creates a harmonious blend that appeals to all taste buds. The homemade creamy dressing is what truly sets this recipe apart – it’s rich, flavorful, and keeps the pasta incredibly moist without being heavy or overwhelming.
The recipe is incredibly versatile and can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for busy schedules and entertaining. Unlike store-bought pasta salads that often taste bland or artificial, this homemade version uses fresh, quality ingredients that create a restaurant-quality dish at home. The bacon adds a smoky crunch, while the peas provide a fresh pop of color and sweetness that balances the richness perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz small pasta noodles (rotini, penne, or bow-tie work best)
- 2 cups frozen peas (thawed)
- 12 oz thick cut bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
How to Make Ultimate Moist Creamy Pasta Salad
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool completely. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and helps maintain the perfect texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Bacon While the pasta cooks, fry the thick-cut bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy and golden brown. Remove from heat and transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Thaw the Peas If using frozen peas, place them in a colander and rinse with cold water until completely thawed. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This prevents the peas from making the salad watery.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Dressing In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Add sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 5: Combine Everything Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing and toss to coat evenly. Add the thawed peas, chopped bacon, and grated parmesan cheese. Gently fold all ingredients together until everything is well coated with the creamy dressing.
Step 6: Chill and Serve Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dressing to fully absorb into the pasta, creating that signature moist texture.
Helpful Tips
Choose the Right Pasta Shape: Small pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or bow-tie pasta work best because they hold the dressing well and are easy to eat. Avoid long pasta shapes like spaghetti or linguine.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook pasta until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the dressing. The pasta will continue to absorb moisture from the dressing, so slightly firm pasta is ideal.
Quality Bacon Makes a Difference: Use thick-cut bacon for better texture and flavor. The extra thickness provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy elements.
Fresh Parmesan is Key: Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts slightly into the dressing, creating a richer flavor than pre-grated cheese. The fresher the cheese, the better the overall taste.
Make Ahead for Best Results: This Ultimate Moist Creamy Pasta Salad actually improves with time. Making it a day ahead allows all the flavors to develop and creates an even more delicious result.
Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings
Difficulty Level: Easy
This recipe serves 8-10 people as a side dish, making it perfect for gatherings and potluck events. The combination of protein from bacon and cheese, vegetables from peas, and carbohydrates from pasta creates a well-balanced dish that can even serve as a light main course for smaller appetites.
Notes

Pasta Quantity Adjustment: The recipe calls for 12 oz of pasta, but you can adjust this based on your preference for pasta-to-dressing ratio. Some people prefer more pasta for a heartier salad, while others like more dressing for extra creaminess.
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add diced hard-boiled eggs or roasted chickpeas for protein. You can also include diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
Dressing Consistency: If the salad seems dry after chilling, add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or a splash of milk to loosen the dressing. The pasta absorbs the dressing over time, so this adjustment is sometimes necessary.
Seasoning Adjustments: Taste the salad before serving and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time? A: Yes! This Ultimate Moist Creamy Pasta Salad actually tastes better when made ahead. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Just give it a good stir before serving and add a little extra dressing if needed.
Q: What pasta shapes work best for this recipe? A: Small pasta shapes like rotini, penne, bow-tie (farfalle), or shells work best because they hold the dressing well. Avoid long pasta shapes that are difficult to mix and eat.
Q: Can I substitute the mayonnaise? A: While mayonnaise provides the signature creamy texture, you can substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. However, this will change the flavor profile slightly.
Q: How long does this pasta salad last in the refrigerator? A: When stored properly in the refrigerator, this pasta salad will last 3-4 days. The quality is best when consumed within the first 2 days.
Q: Can I freeze this pasta salad? A: It’s not recommended to freeze this pasta salad as mayonnaise-based dressings don’t freeze well and the texture will be compromised when thawed.
Q: What can I add to customize this recipe? A: Popular additions include diced hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, red onion, or fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Just be mindful not to add too many wet ingredients that could make the salad watery.
Storage Instructions
Store your Ultimate Moist Creamy Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The salad is best when consumed within the first 2-3 days for optimal flavor and texture. Before serving leftover pasta salad, give it a good stir and check if it needs additional dressing, as the pasta continues to absorb moisture over time.
If the salad appears dry after storage, add 1-2 tablespoons of mayonnaise or a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency. Never leave this pasta salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours, especially during hot weather, as the mayonnaise-based dressing can spoil quickly.
For transporting to potlucks or picnics, keep the pasta salad in a cooler with ice packs to maintain food safety. Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent contamination.
Related Recipes
Looking for more delicious side dishes and salad recipes? Check out these popular options from Run of Life:
- Classic Potato Salad – Another creamy, crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for barbecues
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad – A healthy, protein-packed alternative for lighter meals
- Coleslaw with Tangy Dressing – The perfect crunchy complement to any summer meal
- Seven Layer Salad – A visually stunning layered salad that’s always a hit at gatherings
- Chicken Pasta Salad – Turn this into a main dish with these protein-packed variations
Conclusion
This Ultimate Moist Creamy Pasta Salad is more than just a side dish – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings people together around the table. The combination of perfectly cooked pasta, crispy bacon, sweet peas, and rich parmesan cheese all brought together with a homemade creamy dressing creates a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and reliability. With basic ingredients that are readily available and straightforward preparation steps, anyone can create this restaurant-quality pasta salad at home. The make-ahead friendly nature makes it perfect for busy schedules and entertaining, while the incredible flavor ensures it will become a regular feature at your family gatherings.
Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck, serving it at a backyard barbecue, or simply wanting to meal prep for the week, this Ultimate Moist Creamy Pasta Salad delivers every time. The recipe is easily customizable to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection that you’ll return to again and again.