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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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Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 385kcal
Cost: $12–15

Equipment

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

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

Instructions 

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

Notes

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

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowl | Calories: 385kcal (19%) | Carbohydrates: 34g (11%) | Protein: 11g (22%) | Fat: 23g (35%) | Saturated Fat: 6g (38%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 25mg (8%) | Sodium: 410mg (18%) | Potassium: 380mg (11%) | Fiber: 3g (13%) | Sugar: 6g (7%) | Vitamin A: 680IU (14%) | Vitamin C: 48mg (58%) | Calcium: 135mg (14%) | Iron: 2mg (11%)