This creamy Potluck Party Pasta Salad with bacon, peas, and Parmesan is the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Quick, easy, and perfect for BBQs, potlucks, and family dinners.
When it comes to potluck recipes or summer side dishes, this Potluck Party Pasta Salad is the dish that everyone asks for. Whether you’re serving it alongside grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or bringing it to your next BBQ or gathering, it always disappears fast.
Tossed in a creamy, dreamy dressing and packed with crispy bacon, sweet peas, and Parmesan cheese, every bite is pure comfort.
Bonus? It’s ridiculously easy to whip up ahead of time — making it the perfect make-ahead pasta salad too!
Ready to make your new go-to side dish? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Potluck Party Pasta Salad
- Perfect for gatherings: Always a hit at BBQs, picnics, and potlucks.
- Quick and easy: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Flavor-packed: Creamy dressing, smoky bacon, and sweet peas in every bite.
- Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better after chilling for a few hours!
Potluck Party Pasta Salad
For the Salad:
- 12 ounces small pasta noodles (like rotini or elbow)
- 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
- 12 ounces bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
- 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup scallions, chopped
For the Creamy Pasta Salad Dressing:
- 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
How to Make
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, thawed peas, crispy bacon pieces, Parmesan cheese, and scallions.
Step 4: Toss It All Together
Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours before serving.
This helps the flavors marry beautifully!
Tips for the Best Pasta Salad
- Rinse the pasta: Rinsing stops the cooking process and keeps the pasta from getting mushy.
- Cook the bacon until crispy: It adds the best crunch and smoky flavor.
- Chill before serving: This step makes a big difference for flavor and texture!
- Customize it: Add diced bell peppers, shredded cheddar, or even chopped dill pickles if you like a little twist!
What to Serve with Potluck Party Pasta Salad
This easy pasta salad goes with everything! Here are some ideas:
- Grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp
- Classic burgers and hot dogs
- BBQ ribs or pulled pork sandwiches
- As a main dish with a green salad on the side
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make pasta salad the day before?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after sitting overnight. Just give it a good stir before serving.
How long does pasta salad last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, this pasta salad will stay fresh for 3–4 days.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Rotini, elbow, bow tie (farfalle), or even small shells work perfectly for this salad.
This Potluck Party Pasta Salad is guaranteed to become your most-requested recipe too.
Save this one—you’re going to be making it on repeat all summer long!
