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Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe

Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe

5.3 from 15 reviews

This Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe is a delightful combination of rotini pasta, fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing. It’s a perfect side dish for any occasion, whether it’s a picnic, barbecue, or potluck.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

  • 1 package (16 ounces) rotini pasta

Broccoli:

  • 1 pound broccoli, chopped (stems discarded)

Other Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup red onion, diced
  • 1/2 pound cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 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!

Nutrition

Keywords: Broccoli Pasta Salad, Pasta Salad Recipe, Broccoli Salad, Side Dish, Picnic Food