If you’re searching for the perfect dish to bring to your next potluck, picnic, or family gathering, this Bacon & Cheddar Loaded Pasta Salad is just what you need! It’s a creamy, flavorful combination of tender macaroni, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and sweet peas, all tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet dressing. This salad is easy to prepare and sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
- 2 ½ cups dry macaroni noodles
- 1 ½ cups cooked frozen peas
- 6–7 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup diced red onion
- ¾ cup diced sharp Cheddar cheese
For the Dressing
- 1 ¼ cups mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook macaroni noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool. Set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, peas, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, and diced sharp cheddar cheese.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Conclusion
This Bacon & Cheddar Loaded Pasta Salad is a must-have recipe for any occasion. With its creamy dressing, smoky bacon, and fresh peas, it’s a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Easy to make and even easier to love, this dish will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.
Bacon & Cheddar Loaded Pasta Salad: A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite
A creamy pasta salad loaded with bacon, cheddarcheese, and sweet peas, tossed in a tangy and flavorful dressing—perfect forgatherings or as a side dish.
For the Pasta Salad
- 2 ½ cups dry macaroni noodles
- 1 ½ cups cooked frozen peas
- 6 –7 slices of bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 cup diced red onion
- ¾ cup diced sharp Cheddar cheese
For the Dressing
- 1 ¼ cups mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- Cook the Pasta: Cook macaroni noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool. Set aside.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, peas, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, and diced sharp cheddar cheese.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve chilled and enjoy!