This Broccoli Pasta Salad is a delightful combination of tender pasta, crisp-tender broccoli, and crispy bacon, all tossed in a creamy dressing. It’s a versatile side dish that pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or can be enjoyed on its own for a light meal.
Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep, this salad is not only delicious but also easy to make ahead. The flavors meld beautifully after a few hours in the fridge, making it a convenient option for busy days.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 package (16 ounces) rotini pasta
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1 pound broccoli, chopped (stems discarded)
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1/2 cup red onion, diced
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1/2 pound cooked bacon, crumbled
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2 cups mayonnaise
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1/2 cup red wine vinegar
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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2 teaspoons salt
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1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions:
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Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
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In a large pot of boiling salted water, blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, blanched broccoli, diced red onion, and crumbled bacon.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
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Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Kcal: 3800-4200 kcal (for the entire recipe)
Servings: 8 servings
A Flavor-Packed Classic: Broccoli Pasta Salad
When it comes to flavorful, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing side dishes, Broccoli Pasta Salad hits all the right notes. It’s a staple at backyard barbecues, summer potlucks, and casual weeknight dinners, often stealing the show with its bright colors, crunchy textures, and rich, creamy dressing. While many pasta salads lean heavily on mayo alone, this one finds balance between tangy vinegar, sweet notes from sugar, and the savory addition of crispy bacon—all mixed into a hearty bowl of pasta and tender broccoli florets.
Broccoli Pasta Salad brings together the goodness of vegetables and carbs in a way that’s hearty, wholesome, and absolutely delicious. Whether served cold or at room temperature, this dish offers an ideal texture and flavor profile that pleases even picky eaters.
Why Broccoli Pasta Salad Is Always a Hit
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. It suits a variety of dietary needs and is easily customizable. Want to add more protein? Toss in some shredded chicken or cubed cheese. Looking to make it vegetarian? Simply omit the bacon or use plant-based alternatives. The base recipe provides a solid foundation, and from there, it’s easy to modify based on preference or ingredients on hand.
The salad’s visual appeal can’t be ignored either. With the bright green of the broccoli, the vibrant red of onions or cherry tomatoes, and the golden tones of crispy bacon and pasta, it creates a dish that looks as good as it tastes. Presentation matters, especially when hosting guests or preparing meals ahead of time. This salad never fails to make a statement on the dining table.
The Perfect Make-Ahead Meal
Broccoli Pasta Salad is one of those rare dishes that actually tastes better after a few hours—or even overnight—in the fridge. That’s because the dressing has time to soak into the pasta and vegetables, enhancing the flavor and cohesion of every bite. For busy families, this is a game-changer. It means you can prep dinner or party dishes in advance without sacrificing taste or texture.
Meal preppers love this recipe for the same reason. It holds up well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, making it a reliable lunch or dinner side throughout the week. Unlike leafy green salads that wilt, this pasta-based dish stays crisp and satisfying.
A Textural Symphony in Every Bite
One of the biggest selling points of Broccoli Pasta Salad is its dynamic combination of textures. You get the chewiness of al dente pasta, the crunch of blanched broccoli, the crisp edge of fresh red onion, and the satisfying snap of bacon bits. The creamy dressing coats everything evenly, offering a smooth mouthfeel that ties all the elements together.
The broccoli is key here—not overcooked and mushy, but blanched just enough to retain its bright color and firm bite. This small step makes a huge difference in the final result and is what separates a great pasta salad from a mediocre one.
Nutrition Meets Comfort Food
Although it includes a generous serving of mayonnaise, Broccoli Pasta Salad still offers nutritional benefits. Broccoli is loaded with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s one of the healthiest cruciferous vegetables, and blanching it instead of boiling helps retain those nutrients.
Meanwhile, pasta offers a source of carbohydrates for energy, and if you opt for whole wheat or gluten-free varieties, you can make the dish more health-conscious. Bacon adds flavor, but portion control can help manage fat intake. Substituting with turkey bacon or a plant-based version is a simple way to lighten the dish without losing the essence of its flavor.
This dish may not qualify as “light” in the traditional sense, but it’s comforting, filling, and nutrient-dense enough to be part of a balanced meal.
Customizable to Suit Any Occasion
Broccoli Pasta Salad is endlessly adaptable. Don’t like red onion? Use scallions or shallots. Want more crunch? Toss in sunflower seeds, almonds, or crushed walnuts. Adding shredded carrots, bell peppers, or even dried cranberries introduces new dimensions of flavor.
You can also switch up the pasta type—rotini holds the dressing well, but penne, bowties, or even shells work just as nicely. For an Italian twist, add diced salami, olives, and shredded mozzarella. For a more Mediterranean flavor, feta cheese and a splash of lemon juice go a long way.
This flexibility makes the dish a favorite among home cooks who want something familiar yet fresh every time they prepare it.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This salad works well alongside grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, or veggie burgers. It’s especially well-suited for outdoor gatherings where cold sides shine and refrigeration isn’t always available. Since it holds up well at room temperature, it’s safer to serve than dairy-heavy dishes that spoil quickly.
As a side dish, it’s generous enough to feed a crowd, but it can also function as a light main meal, especially on warm days when you don’t want to cook. Pair it with a fruit salad, iced tea, or sparkling lemonade for a picnic-perfect spread.
It also makes a great addition to lunchboxes. Since it’s not messy and can be enjoyed cold, it’s a go-to for packed lunches at work or school.
Storage and Safety Tips
While Broccoli Pasta Salad is resilient, it still contains mayonnaise, so safe storage is crucial. Always refrigerate within two hours of preparation, especially if it has been sitting out at a party or picnic. Store in an airtight container, and give it a good stir before serving leftovers, as the dressing may settle or separate.
You can freshen it up with a quick splash of vinegar or lemon juice before serving, especially if it has been in the fridge for more than a day. If it starts to look dry, a tablespoon or two of mayo stirred in can restore the creamy consistency.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Approved
One unexpected benefit of this dish is how well it goes over with kids. Many children enjoy pasta, and the broccoli becomes less intimidating when mixed with familiar ingredients and a creamy dressing. It’s a smart way to get vegetables onto your child’s plate without a fight.
At the same time, the complexity of flavors and appealing presentation make it a favorite among adults. It’s the kind of dish that disappears quickly at parties, with people coming back for seconds—and asking for the recipe.
Conclusion: A Simple Dish That Checks Every Box
Broccoli Pasta Salad isn’t just a side dish—it’s a celebration of texture, taste, and adaptability. It’s comforting without being heavy, nutritious without being bland, and simple without being boring. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner, packing school lunches, or bringing a dish to a neighborhood cookout, this salad never fails to impress.
Its balance of creamy, crunchy, salty, and tangy elements makes it a true classic, and its ability to stand the test of time (and refrigeration) makes it a go-to in any recipe rotation. With minimal prep, everyday ingredients, and maximum payoff in flavor and versatility, Broccoli Pasta Salad deserves a permanent place in your culinary lineup.
