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Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe

Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 14 reviews

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.

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

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

Find it online: https://messykitchenmagic.com/tasty-broccoli-pasta-salad-recipe/