Macaroni Salad With Bacon, Peas, and Creamy Dijon Dressing

Prep Time: 20 Minutes

Cook Time: 25 Minutes

Ready In: 45 Minutes

Servings: 12

From Cooking Light. Another pre-wedding winner! :)

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

Directions:

1. To prepare dressing, combine first 9 ingredients in a food processor, and process until smooth. Cover and chill.
2. To prepare salad, cook pasta according to package directions.
3. Add peas during the last 3 minutes of cooking time. Drain; rinse with cold water. Drain.
4. 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.

By RecipeOfHealth.com