Cold Pea Salad

 

• 16 oz. of pasta of your choice.  (I personally prefer Large Pasta Shells like THESE – they seem to really trap the yummy flavors inside so each bite is delish!)
• 2 oz. (about half a bottle) Imitation or Real Bacon Pieces or Bits
• 3 Tablespoons of dry powdered Buttermilk Ranch Mix
• 1/4 Cup Dried Chopped Onion (or if you wanna be all fancy – 1/2 a large onion or one small onion diced into teeny tiny itty bits)  You could also use 1-2 Tablespoons of Onion Powder if you have a texture aversion.  You can adjust the amount depending on how oniony you like things.  I am an onion lover from way back, but you do you.
• 1 1/2 Cups of Real Mayonnaise
• 2 1/2 Cups (13 oz. bag)  Frozen Peas
• 1 tsp Salt (optional)

Directions:

Get your choice of pasta started boiling and set your timer according to the directions on the package.  I tend to like to lean toward the middle “firm” timing when I’m making a pasta salad.  That way when you stir it all together they hold their shape and stay all pretty.   Pretty is important.  But either way it will be yummy.

While your pasta is boiling, in a large bowl, mix together your mayo with all of the other ingredients really good – adding the frozen peas last.  Let that all meld together and the flavors marry up while your pasta finishes its biz on the stove.