Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad

 

Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad: A Crunchy, Creamy Crowd-Pleaser

When it comes to potluck favorites and summer side dishes, Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad checks all the boxes. It’s colorful, crunchy, creamy, and full of bold, savory flavor that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re packing it for a picnic, prepping a side for your next barbecue, or just looking for an easy make-ahead lunch, this salad delivers on taste and texture.

This isn’t your average pasta salad. The crisp-tender broccoli, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar are tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and a tangy, creamy dressing—creating a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

---

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• ✅ Quick to make – Ready in under 30 minutes

• ✅ Make-ahead friendly – Tastes even better after chilling

• ✅ Great balance – Savory bacon + fresh veggies + creamy dressing

• ✅ Perfect for any season – Light enough for summer, hearty enough for fall

---

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

• 8 oz rotini pasta (or your favorite short pasta)

• 2 cups broccoli florets (cut into bite-sized pieces)

• 6–8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ red onion, finely diced

• ½ cup sunflower seeds or slivered almonds (optional, for crunch)

For the Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 2 tbsp sugar or honey (adjust to taste)

• Salt & black pepper to taste

---

How to Make Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Blanch the Broccoli
   While the pasta is cooking, blanch the broccoli in boiling water for about 1 minute, just until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer to an ice bath or rinse under cold water to preserve crunch.

3. Make the Dressing
   In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

4. Combine the Salad
   In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, broccoli, bacon, cheese, red onion, and sunflower seeds (if using). Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.

5. Chill and Serve
   Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld and gives the salad the perfect texture.

---

Recipe Tips & Variations

• Lighten it up: Use Greek yogurt or half mayo/half yogurt for a lighter dressing.

• Add sweetness: Toss in a handful of dried cranberries or grapes for a sweet-savory twist.

• Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon or replace with crispy chickpeas or tempeh bacon.

• Meal prep it: This salad keeps well for 2–3 days in the fridge—great for grab-and-go lunches.

---

Serving Ideas

This Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad is a natural match for grilled meats, sandwiches, or picnic spreads. It’s also filling enough to serve as a stand-alone lunch, especially when paired with a piece of crusty bread or a fruit salad.

---

Final Thoughts

Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad is the kind of dish that earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that combines bold flavors with refreshing textures—and it’s just as delicious on a paper plate in the backyard as it is on the dinner table.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a crowd, this salad delivers every time.