Pasta Salad-Peggy'S Way
A vibrant pasta salad with fresh vegetables, sweet raisins, smoky bacon, and flavorful dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings with a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. penne rigate pasta ⓘ
- 1 medium tomato, diced and chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced and chopped ⓘ
- 3 or 4 green onions, diced and chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. ham, cooked and cubed ⓘ
- 1 lb. bacon, fried and crumbled
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
- 1/2 cup French dressing ⓘ
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil the pasta in a large pan with approximately 1 tablespoon of salt until tender, about 10 minutes.
- Let the pasta cool completely.
- Mix together all ingredients except ham and bacon.
- Add the cooled pasta to the mixture and stir well.
- Refrigerate the mixture overnight, stirring several times.
- In the morning, add the cooked ham and crumbled bacon to the salad and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of this pasta salad, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked bacon bits and store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of ham. This dish can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta salad chilled as a refreshing side dish at picnics or barbecues. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, such as Peach Dijon Pork Chops or Ranch Meat Loaf. For a complete meal, consider adding a simple green salad or some crusty bread on the side to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To refresh the salad when serving, you might want to add a splash of apple cider vinegar or extra French dressing to revive the flavors. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the pasta and vegetables may not hold up well.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Salad-Peggy'S Way contains roughly 914 calories, with 10g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 83g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 855mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! While penne rigate is the preferred choice for its shape and ability to hold onto dressings, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like fusilli or rotini. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the salad overnight?
Refrigerating the salad overnight is highly recommended as it allows the flavors to develop and intensify. However, if you're in a hurry, letting it sit for at least 2-3 hours can still yield a tasty dish, though it may not be as flavorful.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this pasta salad vegetarian by omitting the ham and bacon. Consider adding extra vegetables like diced cucumbers or bell peppers for added crunch, and perhaps some chickpeas for protein. This will create a satisfying and hearty dish without the meat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).