Get ready to transform your ordinary pasta salad into a flavor explosion that'll make your taste buds dance! This Bacon Pea Lemon Pasta Salad is not just another side dish—it's a culinary adventure that combines crispy bacon, sweet peas, and bright lemon in one irresistible recipe. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish promises to be your new go-to summer sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (your choice)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of pasta of your choice. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the bacon. In a skillet over medium heat, cook 4 slices of bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- If using fresh peas, rinse them under cold water. If using frozen peas, you can add them directly to the boiling pasta during the last 2 minutes of cooking. This will allow them to cook through and thaw.
- Once the pasta is al dente and the peas are cooked, drain the pasta and peas in a colander. Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Allow to drain thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta and peas. Add the crumbled bacon to the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of lemon juice and 1/4 cup of olive oil until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the lemon and olive oil dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly, ensuring the pasta and peas are well coated with the dressing.
- Let the pasta salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the bacon pea lemon pasta salad at room temperature or chilled. Enjoy your refreshing and flavorful dish!
Tips
- Choose the right pasta: Short shapes like rotini or penne work best as they hold the dressing and ingredients perfectly.
- Don't overcook your pasta: Aim for al dente texture to prevent a mushy salad.
- Cool ingredients completely: Ensure pasta and peas are thoroughly cooled to prevent the dressing from breaking down.
- Let it marinate: Allow the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to let flavors meld together.
- For extra freshness, consider adding some chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving.
- If preparing ahead, reserve a little extra dressing to refresh the salad before serving, as pasta tends to absorb liquid.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 254kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
