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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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American-inspired
Servings 6
Calories 352 kcal

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!

Nutrition

Calories: 352kcal
Keyword Loaded Pasta Salad
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