Are you ready to elevate your pasta game with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and freshness? Introducing the irresistible Bacon and Asparagus Pasta Salad—a delightful American classic that’s perfect for any occasion! This vibrant salad combines the savory crunch of crispy bacon with tender asparagus and juicy cherry tomatoes, all tossed together with al dente pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Whether you're planning a picnic, a potluck, or simply want to impress your family at dinner, this quick and easy recipe is sure to become a favorite. With just 25 minutes of prep and cook time, you’ll have a deliciously satisfying meal that’s both hearty and refreshing. Dive into the recipe below and discover how to make this scrumptious salad that everyone will be raving about!
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the bacon by cooking it in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Remove bacon from the pan and place on paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- In the same skillet with remaining bacon fat, quickly sauté the asparagus pieces for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender, but still crisp. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, sautéed asparagus, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle olive oil over the pasta mixture and gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: To achieve the ideal texture, make sure to cook the pasta until al dente. This will ensure that it holds up well in the salad and doesn’t become mushy.
- Bacon Bliss: For the crispiest bacon, cook it over medium heat and allow it to drain on paper towels. The residual fat can be used to sauté the asparagus, adding extra flavor to your dish.
- Asparagus Timing: Keep an eye on the asparagus while sautéing; it should be bright green and still have a bit of crunch. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture, so aim for 2-3 minutes of cooking time.
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving will help the flavors meld beautifully. This step is key to enhancing the overall taste!
- Customization: Feel free to add other ingredients like bell peppers, olives, or even a splash of lemon juice for an extra zing. This salad is versatile and can be tailored to your taste!
- Make Ahead: This pasta salad can be made a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge and give it a quick toss before serving to refresh the flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
