Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and color, you’ve come to the right place. This Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe is a delightful combination of tender rotini pasta, crisp broccoli florets, and savory bacon all wrapped up in a creamy, tangy dressing that sings with every bite. It’s the perfect salad to bring a fresh, vibrant touch to any meal, whether it’s a casual lunch, a picnic, or a potluck gathering. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for tasty, satisfying eats that wow every time.

Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right ingredients is the secret to making this Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe a standout. These simple essentials each bring their own flair, from the hearty pasta base to the crunchy broccoli and crispy bacon, all tied together with a luscious dressing that balances creaminess and zest.

  • Rotini pasta (16 ounces): The corkscrew shape is perfect for holding onto the creamy dressing and bits of veggies.
  • Broccoli (1 pound, chopped): Fresh and crisp, this adds a lovely green pop and a satisfying crunch.
  • Red onion (1/2 cup, diced): Adds a mild sharpness and beautiful color contrast.
  • Cooked bacon (1/2 pound, crumbled): Brings a smoky crunch that elevates the salad to a new level.
  • Mayonnaise (2 cups): Creates the creamy, rich base that coats every ingredient deliciously.
  • Red wine vinegar (1/2 cup): Adds a tangy brightness that keeps the flavors lively.
  • Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Balances the tartness from the vinegar with a subtle sweetness.
  • Salt (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors, making everything pop just right.
  • Ground black pepper (1 teaspoon): Gives a gentle hint of spice to round out the dressing.

How to Make Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. The key is to cook it until just tender but still firm to the bite, so it holds up perfectly when mixed with the other ingredients. After cooking, drain the pasta thoroughly and let it cool slightly to avoid wilting the broccoli when combined.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

While your pasta is cooking, chop up the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces, making sure to discard the woody stems. Dice the red onion finely to ensure it disperses flavor evenly, and crumble the cooked bacon into small bits that will add crispy texture without overwhelming any bite.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. This creamy, tangy dressing is the heart of this Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe, perfectly balancing rich and bright notes to make every forkful a delight.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Ingredients

Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl and pour the dressing over it. Add the chopped broccoli and diced onion, then stir everything together until the salad is evenly coated and well mixed. Keep the bacon aside for now to ensure it stays nice and crispy.

Step 5: Chill the Salad

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill your pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. This rest time is essential because it allows the flavors to meld beautifully, with the pasta soaking up the tangy dressing and the veggies softening just enough to be tender yet crisp.

Step 6: Add Bacon and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the chilled salad and gently fold it in. The contrast of warm, crunchy bacon against the cool, creamy salad is simply irresistible. Serve immediately and watch this Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe disappear fast!

How to Serve Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe

Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a fresh, herbal note and a lovely splash of green to brighten the dish visually. For an extra zing, a dash of grated Parmesan cheese can enhance the salad’s richness while adding a savory edge.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or even alongside a tangy barbecue spread. Its fresh and creamy profile offers a refreshing counterpoint to hearty main dishes, making it an ideal choice for summer cookouts or casual family meals.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Serve the salad in individual clear glass jars or pretty bowls to showcase its vibrant colors. Alternatively, nestle the salad inside crisp lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held twist perfect for parties or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the bacon is added just before serving, it’s best to keep some bacon aside fresh to maintain that perfect crunch when you are ready to enjoy the leftovers.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe. The mayonnaise-based dressing and fresh vegetables like broccoli and onion do not freeze well and can become watery or mushy upon thawing, which affects both the texture and flavor.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can let refrigerated portions sit out for about 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off, but avoid heating it to preserve the crisp textures and fresh flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rotini is ideal for holding the dressing well, other shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle work beautifully. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it stays firm after mixing.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the bacon or substitute it with a crunchy vegetarian bacon alternative or toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for added texture and flavor.

How long does the pasta salad last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this salad stays fresh for up to 3 days. Beyond that, the vegetables may start to soften, and the overall texture will decline.

Can I prepare this salad without mayonnaise?

If you prefer a lighter option, swapping mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette-based dressing can work. Just keep in mind it will change the creamy texture and flavor profile that makes this Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe so comforting.

What’s the best way to keep the bacon crispy?

Add the bacon at the very last minute before serving. If you add it too early, it will soften in the dressing. Also, cooking the bacon until extra crisp helps it stay firm longer when mixed in.

Final Thoughts

This Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe is one of those gems that’s equally at home on your weekday table or the centerpiece of a weekend gathering. Its balanced flavors, delightful textures, and inviting colors combine to create something truly special. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the joy it brings with every bite. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

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Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe

This Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad is a refreshing and creamy dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a make-ahead side. The combination of rotini pasta, crunchy broccoli, crisp bacon, and a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing brings a delightful mix of textures and flavors that everyone will enjoy.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad, Side Dish
  • Method: Boiling, Mixing, Chilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 1 package (16 ounces) rotini pasta
  • 1 pound broccoli, chopped (stems discarded)
  • 1/2 cup red onion, diced

Protein

  • 1/2 pound cooked bacon, crumbled

Dressing

  • 2 cups mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by preparing the pasta following the package directions to ensure it’s cooked to perfection. Once done, drain the pasta well and set it aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Ingredients: While the pasta is cooking, chop the broccoli, onion, and bacon into small, bite-sized pieces. This will allow them to incorporate well into the pasta salad, adding flavor and texture.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. These ingredients will create a creamy and tangy dressing that complements the pasta and veggies beautifully.
  4. Combine Pasta and Ingredients: Once the pasta has been cooked and drained, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour in the mayonnaise mixture, followed by the chopped broccoli and diced onion. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing and the veggies are well distributed. Be sure not to add the bacon at this stage, as you want it to remain crispy.
  5. Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 3 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and the pasta to absorb the dressing, enhancing the salad’s taste.
  6. Add Bacon and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the salad. Give the salad a good stir to combine everything thoroughly, ensuring the bacon remains crunchy. Serve immediately and enjoy this flavorful and refreshing pasta salad!

Notes

  • For best flavor, allow the salad to chill for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  • Use freshly cooked bacon to maintain crispiness.
  • You can substitute mayonnaise with a lighter dressing or Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
  • Make sure to drain pasta well and let it cool before mixing to avoid sogginess.
  • Feel free to add other veggies like cherry tomatoes or shredded carrots for extra color and nutrition.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg

Keywords: broccoli pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, rotini pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, make ahead salad, picnic salad

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