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Creamy broccoli pasta salad with rotini noodles, fresh broccoli florets, crispy bacon, and red onion, served in a white bowl. The vibrant colors and creamy texture make it a refreshing and mouthwatering side dish

Creamy Broccoli Pasta Salad

Creamy broccoli pasta salad with tender crisp broccoli, al dente pasta, and a tangy dressing perfect for picnics, BBQs, or family meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients
  • 1 pound Rotini or bowtie pasta cooked al dente
  • 4 cups Fresh broccoli florets cut into bite sized pieces
  • ½ Red onion finely diced
  • 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese cubed
  • 6 strips Bacon cooked crispy, crumbled (optional)
  • ½ cup Toasted sunflower seeds
Dressing
  • ¾ cup Mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup Plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoon Apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins
  • ½ cup Dried cranberries optional add-in
  • ¼ cup Fresh parsley chopped, optional
  • ½ cup Cherry tomatoes halved, optional

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large bowl
  • Slotted spoon
  • Sharp knife
  • Large spoon

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for pasta.
  2. Cook pasta until al dente, drain, rinse cold, and let dry.
  3. Prepare a large bowl with cold water and ice.
  4. Boil broccoli florets 90 seconds, then transfer to ice bath.
  5. Whisk mayo, Greek yogurt, vinegar, honey, mustard, and spices.
  6. Combine cooled pasta, broccoli, red onion, and cheddar in a bowl.
  7. Toss with creamy dressing, top with bacon and sunflower seeds.
  8. Refrigerate 30 minutes, garnish with cranberries, parsley, or tomatoes.

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.