Description
Best Broccoli Pasta Salad is a crisp, creamy, and colorful side dish featuring tender pasta, fresh broccoli florets, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for BBQs, potlucks, picnics, or meal prep, this easy pasta salad is packed with flavor and texture in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 4 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup roasted sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
For the Creamy Dressing
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra cheddar cheese
- Additional sunflower seeds
Instructions
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and allow to cool completely.
- Blanch the broccoli: Place the broccoli florets in boiling water for 1 minute, then transfer immediately to an ice bath. Drain well.
- Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, broccoli, cheddar cheese, bacon, red onion, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bell pepper.
- Toss: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheddar, or sunflower seeds before serving chilled.
Notes
For extra crunch, add the sunflower seeds just before serving. This pasta salad can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Try adding diced chicken for a hearty main dish or substitute turkey bacon for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: broccoli pasta salad, creamy broccoli salad, pasta salad recipe, summer side dish, BBQ pasta salad, potluck salad
