Parmesan Pea Pasta Salad might be the easiest cold pasta salad recipe in the world! Takes just 15 minutes to make and contains only 4 ingredients. Easy, fast, simple, and perfect for any cookout or party.
Yes, my clean eating diet/lifestyle is still on, BUT it’s always off whenever pasta is around…and ice cream…although that’s another story for another day. It’s really so hard for me to say no to pasta. I mean, I say no but it doesn’t listen. It just gets right up in my plate and begs me to eat it. Ruuuuude!
Then there’s the issue of how I feel like cheese needs to be involved whenever I eat pasta. Seriously, if there’s two food ingredients that are destined to be BFFs for life, it’s pasta and cheese. Doesn’t matter if the pasta is cold or hot either, it needs to be with some cheese. Forever and always.
A few weeks ago, the fine folks at Divella sent me a few varieties of dried pasta to taste and the one that stood out to me immediately was the bag of Mista. Mista is all these cute little pasta pieces of different shapes and sizes mixed together and I just knew it was destined for a cold salad…with cheese.
Now, if you don’t know about Divella pasta, you should. It’s the real deal. Straight from Italy and they use only the best, all-natural ingredients. Plus, they’ve been around for 125 years so they must know what they are doing.
How to make a cold pasta salad
Start with some great pasta, some fresh veggies, and a simple, yet flavorful dressing. I began my easy pasta salad with the farm fresh peas I picked up today. Fresh New England peas are the best thing you will ever pop in your month. They are small, tender, and oh so sweet. I try to use them in as many recipes as possible while they are in season because before you know it, POOF!…they are gone. Carpe diem my friends 😉
Anywho, I played around with oil-based dressings but eventually settled on good ol’ mayonnaise. The creaminess of the mayo and the rich flavor of the Parmesan cheese pair well with the pasta and peas for a delicious cold pasta salad. It’s a match made in food heaven and one that I could sit down and eat enough for 10 people. I have no self control when it comes to creamy pasta salad, but then again, who does??
Whether you’re camping, at a BBQ cookout, or just need a simple and delicious side dish for a family dinner, reach for this vegetarian pasta recipe, Parmesan Pea Pasta Salad.
Parmesan Pea Pasta Salad might be the easiest cold pasta salad recipe in the world. Takes just 15 minutes to make and contains only 4 ingredients! Easy, fast, simple, and perfect for any cookout or party.
- 1 pound bite-size pasta
- 1 cup green peas, fresh or frozen
- 1 1/2 cups good quality mayonnaise , homemade or store bought
- 2/3 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese (use a good quality cheese and grate it fresh)
Boil pasta according to package directions using salted water and until the pasta is al dente. The last 5 minutes of the pasta's cooking time, throw in the green peas. When finished cooking, drain and let cool.
- Place the cooled pasta and peas in a large bowl, add the mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese. Mix until thoroughly combined, cover, and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve
I love pasta and cheese too….sooooo much…..too much. I can do without icecream, but pasta? No way! I love pasta salads like this-easy to whip up and perfect to take along for Summer bbqs. I saw a couple of your pics on Instagram. Looks like you are having an awesome time camping! I haven’t been in so long, but hubby and I used to enjoy it. Nothing like the meals you have while camping, especially the breakfasts…those are the best! Enjoy yourself girl! xo
Karrie!!! Sounds like a good and simple dish! I am sure it is delicious, I love peas!! hehehehe and pasta and cheese!
Cheese and pasta are the best together, totally agreed! Maybe not so great for the waistline, but Ohhhh Soooo great for mah belleh! Love this pasta salad, Karrie! Farm fresh peas are definitely where it’s at! This pasta is perfect for this weekend! Keep on living it up in the pimped out camper!! Cheers, bestie! Xo
I love fresh peas! Pair them with pasta, and you have my attention ?. Divella is a very good brand, I use it also in Italy and that shape you chose is so pretty! Wonderful job, Karrie!
Ohhhh – I love peas with pasta! A sweet little match made in heaven! This is a salad I can get behind! You best believe this will be on our table! The family will love it! Thanks for sharing, Karrie!
I never ever say no to pasta Especially when it looks so yumm
Such a simple and absolutely delicious pasta salad, Karrie. Paring fresh peas with pasta sounds so intriguing. And Cheese and pasta are the match made in heaven. So all in all I want this salad in my life! YUM!
Karrie – I love this recipe. It’s right up my alley. I’m addicted to carbs and pasta is one of my favorites! I love the simple, fresh ingredients and I can’t wait to try this recipe. It’s perfect for summer! Enjoy your camping trip!
Karrie, your vacation sounds so awesome!! Tell me more! Wait, okay, save some of it for when we meet up. Also, this: ” it’s always off whenever pasta is around” and ice cream. YUP, that’s why we’re friends. How can we say no to these things? And pizza. Don’t forget pizza! Haha. Btw, I love that you packed up some of this super yummy pasta salad to bring with you on your trip. Is there anything more satisfying that cold pasta that’s had time to soak in the sauces? Can’t wait to see ya! xo
I love the simplicity of this recipe, and the fact that it has only four ingredients, it’s a perfect go-to dish. I’ll be making big batch of this soon and hoping there will be leftovers because I would want to eat it again and again! Have a great time camping!!
I love pasta and cheese and this looks so delicious.!
Who doesn’t love a good pasta salad that’s easy and delicious! I’m shameless when it comes to mayo too, so this combo is perfect for me! Pinned!
I love those noodle shapes! They look awesome – I would eat them strictly cause they look cool – ha!
Happy Camping! This pasta salad would be perfect for camping….it’s filling, it’s cold, it’s easy to pack, and it’s delicious!
I love simple recipes like this, they are perfect for summer. I could just eat this now!
I’m with ya girl – cheese and pasta… it’s gotta be one of the greatest combos ever! I would totally hog the entire bowl Hope you guys have an awesome time camping! So jealous – we had to cancel our recent camping trip, but hope to reschedule. Have extra fun for me, and I can’t wait to hear all about it!
You know I love me an easy recipe and this one sounds awesome! I think my kiddos would gobble it up, too. If I decide to share… And I’m 100% with you on pasta + cheese being a requirement. How could you not? Hope you had a happy 4th and a fun time camping!!
This pasta salad would go sooo well as a side in a bbq!
Karrie, remember one significant rule: pasta and ice cream don’t count in any diet. Besides, it’s highly encouraged to include them in your diet, on a daily basis. I don’t know who said that, but I totally support this brilliant concept. Delicious salad, indeed! I love the combo of pasta and peas, and even though I am not a huge fan if mayo pasta salads, I will likely try tris one. Well done!
Ohh this sounds lovely! Will definitely be trying this Great blog you have here xx
Karrie, this recipe looks fantastic! Your pictures are beautiful. I love the little shapes of the pasta… So pretty. I could eat this salad by the bowl fulls…. Yum!!! I am having a cookout soon. I am putting this on my list to make. Xoxo
Luved this recipe, I added onions, celery, cheese and black cracked peeper. DELISH So refreshing!
Thanks so much Sheri!
I rarely comment on recipes, but this pasta turned out so delicious I feel compelled to do so. I was hesitant at first about the mayo, but no more. This pasta is super easy and quick to prepare and it tastes insanely delicious. I added plenty of salt and freshly ground black pepper plus a couple of crushed/dried red chili peppers into it because I love well-seasoned food and some heat, but the recipe is perfectly fine as written. I’ll definitely make this again.
Thank you so much for your kind review David and sooooo happy you enjoyed the recipe!