Super Pea And Pasta Salad
A vibrant, creamy pasta salad packed with peas, bacon, cheese, and fresh vegetables, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. shell or Texas shaped pasta ⓘ
- 1/2 c. celery, finely diced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. cauliflower, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 c. green onions, sliced, with tops ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans peas, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 c. crumbled, cooked bacon ⓘ
- 4 oz. sour cream ⓘ
- 8 oz. shredded cheese (any kind) ⓘ
- 8 oz. Ranch Style salad dressing ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. pimento (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- Rinse and drain the cooked pasta.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, drained peas, finely diced celery, chopped cauliflower, sliced green onions with tops, crumbled cooked bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, salad dressing, and pimento if using.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Chill the salad for several hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve in a lettuce cup or on a plate.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a flavored cheese like pepper jack or sharp cheddar. If you're looking for a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream. You can also add other veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch. Make sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad in lettuce cups for a refreshing presentation or on a bed of greens. It pairs beautifully with Delicious Pork Chops or can be enjoyed on its own as a hearty lunch. Consider adding a side of crusty bread for a complete meal or serve it alongside grilled chicken for a satisfying dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. If the salad seems dry after chilling, you can add a splash more of Ranch dressing before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Super Pea And Pasta Salad contains roughly 111 calories, with 6g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. In fact, chilling it overnight helps the flavors develop and blend together. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
What can I substitute for the bacon?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon or replace it with smoked tempeh or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a similar flavor profile. Another option is to use crispy fried onions for added crunch.
Is it possible to use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely! While shell or Texas-shaped pasta works great, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer. Bowties, rotini, or even small penne would complement the salad nicely and add visual interest.
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).