Description
Pea Pasta Salad is a delightful and colorful side dish that effortlessly elevates any gathering, from summer BBQs to potluck dinners. This creamy salad features tender mini pasta shells mixed with sweet peas, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch dressing, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. Not only is it quick to prepare in just 20 minutes, but it’s also the perfect make-ahead option, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in the fridge. Whether you serve it alongside grilled meats or as a refreshing lunch on its own, this crowd-pleasing salad will impress both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the bacon until crispy and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Boil mini pasta shells according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise and ranch seasoning; mix well.
- Add cheddar cheese, green onions, bacon, cooled pasta, and peas to the bowl; gently stir until combined.
- Refrigerate for 2-4 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Serve chilled, optionally garnished with additional cheddar cheese and bacon.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg