CREAMY BACON & SWEET PEA PASTA SALAD

Bacon and pasta in a creamy dressing. What’s not to love? This salad comes together quickly, feeds a crowd, and is the kind of thing people go back for seconds of without really meaning to. Sweet peas, crunchy celery, crispy bacon, and a little Parmesan make it feel hearty but not heavy. Make it the night before and it’s even better the next day.

INGREDIENTS:

4 cups of your favourite pasta noodles

2 cups frozen green peas

2 cups cooked crispy chopped bacon

1/4 cup scallions, chopped

1/2 cup celery, finely diced

2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

For the Creamy Dressing

1 1/2 cups mayonnaise

1/4 cup olive oil

2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp Dijon Mustard

1 tsp sugar

2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 1/2 tsp onion powder

1 1/2 tsp salt, to taste

1 tsp coarse black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon reserved bacon fat

DIRECTIONS

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions in well salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled.

2. While the pasta cooks, bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the peas and cook for 30 seconds. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

3. Add the cooled pasta, peas, bacon, scallions, celery, and parsley to a large mixing bowl.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sugar, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and bacon fat until smooth and creamy.

5. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.

6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend together.

7. Give the salad a good stir before serving and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.