MACARONI SALAD WITH BACON, PEAS, AND CREAMY DIJON DRESSING

Macaroni Salad With Bacon, Peas, and Creamy Dijon Dressing image

Provided by SarahBeth

Time 45m

Yield 8 cups of salad, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

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

Steps:

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. Drain.
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.