Creamy Sweet Pea & Bow Tie Pasta Salad
This Creamy Sweet Pea & Bow Tie Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will make it a favorite at your next gathering. The tender bow tie pasta is tossed with bright green peas, crunchy diced celery, and sweet shredded carrots, all enveloped in a creamy, dreamy dressing that includes sweetened condensed milk and tangy buttermilk. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings, this generously portioned salad serves 25-30 people and is ideal for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a light meal, it's sure to impress everyone at the table!
25-30
Servings
233
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
bow tie pasta
2 1/2 lbs (uncooked)
shredded carrots
8 ounces (fresh (or 3/4 of a 10 oz bag of matchstick carrots))
frozen peas
8 ounces (thawed)
celery rib
1 (diced)
red onions
4 teaspoons (diced)
sweetened condensed milk
2 cups (none)
mayonnaise
2 1/2 cups (none)
sugar
1 1/4 cups (none)
cider vinegar
1/3 cup (none)
buttermilk
1/3 cup (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the bow tie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 12 minutes, or until al dente. To prevent the pasta from sticking together, consider adding a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the boiling water.
2
Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Make sure to drain it thoroughly to avoid excess water in the salad.
3
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, mayonnaise, sugar, cider vinegar, buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until smooth and well combined. Cover and refrigerate the dressing while you prepare the rest of the salad.
4
In a medium bowl, gently mix together a portion of the pasta, shredded carrots, diced red onion, diced celery, and a few spoonfuls of the creamy dressing. Use a spatula to combine gently.
5
Transfer the mixture to a large bowl (preferably a 32-cup capacity bowl) to accommodate all the ingredients. Repeat the layering process: add more pasta, carrots, onions, celery, and dressing until all components are used up.
6
Top the salad with the thawed peas, and cover the bowl with a tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap.
7
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for several hours or ideally overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
8
When ready to serve, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing and flavors. Enjoy!
9
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, where this salad will keep well for several days.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
20g
Carbs
3
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary pasta used in this salad?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 pounds of uncooked bow tie pasta.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed for large gatherings and serves between 25 and 30 people.
How long should I cook the bow tie pasta?
The pasta should be cooked in salted boiling water for approximately 12 minutes, or until it reaches an al dente texture.
What can I do to keep the pasta from sticking while boiling?
You can add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the boiling water to prevent the bow tie pasta from sticking together.
Should the pasta be rinsed after cooking?
Yes, once cooked and drained, you should rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process.
What ingredients make up the creamy dressing?
The dressing consists of sweetened condensed milk, mayonnaise, sugar, cider vinegar, buttermilk, salt, and pepper.
How much sweetened condensed milk is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of sweetened condensed milk for the dressing.
Can I use store-bought matchstick carrots?
Yes, you can use fresh shredded carrots or approximately 3/4 of a 10-ounce bag of matchstick carrots.
Do the frozen peas need to be cooked?
No, the 8 ounces of frozen peas simply need to be thawed before being added to the top of the salad.
How much sugar is included in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1 1/4 cups of sugar.
What type of vinegar is best for this pasta salad?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/3 cup of cider vinegar.
How much mayonnaise is needed for the dressing?
The recipe uses 2 1/2 cups of mayonnaise.
What is the recommended chilling time?
For the best results, the salad should be chilled for several hours or ideally overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
Is there celery in this Creamy Sweet Pea & Bow Tie Pasta Salad?
Yes, it includes one diced celery rib for added crunch.
How much red onion should I add?
The recipe calls for 4 teaspoons of finely diced red onions.
What size bowl is recommended for mixing?
Because of the large quantity, a 32-cup capacity bowl is recommended to fit all the ingredients.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 233 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains about 15 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this salad?
There are 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving provides 3 grams of protein.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly pasta salad.
How should I store leftover pasta salad?
Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator in a covered container, where they will keep well for several days.
When should the peas be added?
The thawed peas should be placed on top of the salad before covering and chilling.
What should I do right before serving the salad?
Give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing and ensure the flavors are well mixed.
How much buttermilk is used in the dressing?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of buttermilk.
What is the amount of salt and pepper needed?
The dressing is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
What is the best way to combine the ingredients?
It is recommended to layer the pasta, vegetables, and dressing in portions, mixing gently with a spatula to ensure even coating.
What occasions is this salad best for?
It is ideal for picnics, potlucks, family gatherings, or any large event.
What is the texture of the finished salad?
The salad is creamy with textures ranging from tender pasta and peas to crunchy celery and carrots.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are a total of 12 ingredients including the seasonings.