Creamy Lemon Parmesan Pasta Salad is a cold pasta salad with peas, fresh parmesan, bacon, and a zesty creamy lemon dressing!
If you're looking for a delicious creamy pasta salad, I got you! It's one of our favorite lemon pasta salad recipes, along with Blackberry Pear Salad which has a creamy lemon dressing similar to this one. Plus pistachios and more parmesan. Need I say more??
Ingredients
These are the basics of what you'll need for this pasta salad recipe. Measurements are listed in the recipe card below!
- Pasta - cellentani, bowtie, or penne work well.
- Peas - cooked and cooled
- Parmesan Cheese - fresh flakes or fresh grated
- Bacon
- Greek Yogurt - plain
- Lemons - juice and zest
- Olive Oil
- Sugar - white granulated
- Salt & Pepper
Instructions
This is the best pasta salad recipe ever! Here's the easiest way to make it.
Start by preparing the pasta according to package directions, al dente to the bite. Drain and cool.
Prep Bacon in frying pan or oven, cook until nice and crispy. Drain the excess grease, then chop bacon.
Cook Peas then cool to room temp or colder.
Make Lemon Dressing in a small bowl, whisk together greek yogurt, olive oil, sugar, lemon zest and juice.
PRO TIP: When the pasta is almost finished cooking, dump the peas in with the pasta to cook for a couple of minutes. Less dishes and it combines a step!
VARIATIONS
- Fresh herbs! There are a few that would be FABULOUS. Basil, thyme, parsley, maybe even sage. Try one or a combination, just start small and add more if it tickles your fancy.
- Gluten Free noodles or whole wheat noodles to be more diet friendly!
- Substitute veggies! instead of peas you could use steamed asparagus, green beans, or some kale for a fun twist.
What type of pasta makes the best pasta salad?
I used cellentani pasta for this recipe because I love the fancy spirals!
You can use most types of non-filled pasta for this recipe. Some examples are penne, bowtie, small or medium shells, or elbow pasta. Pasta with holes and/or ridges helps hold more delicious creamy lemon sauce with every bite.
Serving and Storage
MAKE AHEAD?
YES! This can be made ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Simply reserve the parmesan cheese and bacon to add in right before serving.
I don't recommend freezing this pasta salad due to the dairy content and soggy texture that the pasta can become after freezing.
Should pasta salad be served cold?
Yes, this is a cold pasta salad that uses greek yogurt (dairy) so should be served within an hour or two of making.
More Unique Salad Recipes
Here are a few of my favorite different and unique salad recipes!
- Golden Beet Salad with Balsamic Miso Dressing- caramelized onions and feta and miso, oh my!!
- Roasted Broccoli Salad - with parmesan, crusty sourdough croutons, and roasted pine nuts.
- Blackberry Pear Salad - Pistachios, a lemon vinaigrette, more parmesan, need I say more??
I hope you enjoy this lovely lemon pasta salad as much as we do! Make sure to share it on your favorite social media channel if you do!
Lemon Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz. cellentani pasta or bowtie, penne
- 2 cups peas frozen
- 6 slices bacon about 1 cup cooked & chopped
- ⅓ cup parmesan flakes
For the Creamy Lemon Dressing:
- ⅔ cup plain greek yogurt
- ½ cup lemon juice about 2 lemons
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon white granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions (about 8 minutes) until al dente.
- Add in frozen peas to pasta toward end of cooking to cook for 1-2 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking process and cool.
- Meanwhile cook bacon over medium heat until crispy, drain excess grease, and chop.
- Combine cooled pasta, peas, chopped bacon, and parmesan flakes into serving bowl.
For the Creamy Lemon Dressing:
- In a small bowl whisk together greek yogurt, lemon juice, zest, olive oil, granulated sugar, salt, and pepper, and mix until smooth.
- Pour over pasta ingredients and gently fold in until evenly coated. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 3 days.
Notes
Nutrition
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