Macaroni Salad With Bacon, Peas, and Creamy Dijon Dressing

By MichaelH

This twist on a traditional macaroni salad will become a new hit in your home! The zesty flavor of Dijon mustard with bacon and peas makes this a favorite.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup reduced-fat cream cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped shallot
• 1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons nonfat sour cream
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 8 ounces uncooked large elbow macaroni
• 2/3 cup fresh green peas
• 2/3 cup finely diced red bell pepper
• 2/3 cup finely diced red onion
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
• 3 slices bacon, fat removed, cooked and crumbled

Details

Servings 8
Preparation time 20mins
Cooking time 65mins

Preparation

Step 1

To prepare dressing, combine first 9 ingredients in a food processor, and process until smooth. Cover and chill.

To prepare salad, cook pasta according to package directions. Add peas during the last 3 minutes of cooking time. Drain; rinse with cold water.

Combine pea/ pasta mixture, bell pepper, and next 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Toss pasta mixture with half of dressing. Cover and chill until ready to serve. Toss salad with remaining dressing, and sprinkle with crumbled bacon; serve immediately.