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Creamy Pasta Salad with Crispy Bacon and Fresh Herbs Recipe

Creamy Pasta Salad with Crispy Bacon and Fresh Herbs

Welcome to a deliciously creamy delight that’s sure to become a staple in your home: the Creamy Pasta Salad with Crispy Bacon and Fresh Herbs. This dish combines the hearty satisfaction of pasta with the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon, brightened by fresh herbs that add a burst of flavor to every bite. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side for family dinners, this pasta salad is not only simple to prepare but also incredibly versatile.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Salad
  • 8 oz pasta penne or fusilli works best
  • 4 slices bacon crispy and crumbled
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup cucumber diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula or spoon

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to drain completely.
  2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, add the bacon slices. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until crispy, turning occasionally. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and crumbled bacon. Gently toss these ingredients together to ensure even distribution.
  4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. This dressing is the heart of your Creamy Pasta Salad with Crispy Bacon and Fresh Herbs. Adjust the seasoning if necessary, tasting as you go to find the perfect balance.
  5. Step 5: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Using a spatula or spoon, gently fold the dressing into the salad until everything is well coated. Be careful not to overmix.
  6. Step 6: Finally, fold in the chopped fresh basil and parsley. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

If you want to make this salad ahead of time, you can prepare the pasta, bacon, and vegetables a day in advance. Just toss them together with the dressing and herbs on the day you plan to serve it.