Fresh Broccoli Pasta Salad
This creamy, tangy, make-ahead broccoli pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser that combines al dente pasta, crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, and a sweet-savory dressing. Whether for picnics, cookouts, or easy weekday meals, this viral-inspired dish brings comfort and freshness in every bite.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Plastic Wrap or Lid
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 16 oz rotini pasta cooked al dente and cooled
- 1 lb broccoli cut into small florets
- 1/2 cup red onion diced finely
- 1/2 lb cooked bacon crispy and crumbled
For the Dressing
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook rotini pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cool water. Let cool completely.
- While pasta cools, chop broccoli into small florets, dice red onion, and cook bacon until crispy. Crumble and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust if needed.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, broccoli, onion, and dressing. Mix until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover and chill for at least 3 hours to let flavors meld. Do not add bacon yet.
- Just before serving, stir in crispy bacon. Serve cold and enjoy the crunchy-creamy balance.
Notes
This pasta salad gets better after chilling and works well for meal prep. For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon or substitute crispy chickpeas or sunflower seeds.
Nutrition
Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 7gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 580mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.2mg
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