Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad

This Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad is loaded with fresh broccoli florets, crisp bacon pieces, tangy red onion, tart dried cranberries, salty sunflower kernels, and tender pasta, all covered in a sweet, creamy dressing. This is a unique and savory pasta salad full of flavor!

Nothing beats a really good pasta salad. On top of being delicious to eat, pasta salads can be an outstanding balance of ingredients like crisp vegetables with vitamins and minerals, good sources of dairy through cheese, fiber, healthy fats, and carbs that keep us full longer. Now this all depends on how each pasta salad is prepared, but most offer a good variety of these healthy benefits. Plus, they are cold and refreshing sides to BBQs and holiday meals. Pasta salads are also great for meal prep, making lunches quick and easy without sacrificing food groups!

Whether you are looking for an Italian pasta salad like this Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad or a creamy one like this Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad, pasta salads are a welcome dish at any party. There seems to be a little something for every palate in all pasta salads. The mix of flavors and textures is a delight to the senses, too. Our family enjoys a yummy pasta salad, and I am sure yours will too!

How to Make a Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad

This Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad is a burst of fresh flavors from the crisp broccoli and savory bacon, to the tangy red onion and filling pasta. If you love a simple pasta salad, this one is a winner! All the time is in the prep, and then it’s mix and go. Make it ahead of time for a stress-free party dish or vibrant dinner side. This is an easy pasta salad recipe that everyone will love!

Ingredients for a Delicious Broccoli Pasta Salad with Bacon

• 4 cups broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
  • This is about 2 large heads of broccoli
• 8 ounces rotini or short pasta
  • We are loving the Good Eats pasta brand. Trompetti pasta is fun and holds the dressing well, making it the perfect pasta salad noodle!
• ⅓ cup red onion, diced
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup sunflower kernels
• ½ pound of bacon cooked and crumbled
  • About 8 slices
• Cheese(optional), 1/2 cup of feta or cubed Colby Jack

Dressing Ingredients

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • We love the tangy zip of Miracle Whip!
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 4 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• salt and black pepper

Instructions

First, boil water and cook the pasta according to package directions. Then drain and run under cold water to stop the cooking.

Next, as the pasta is cooking, whisk the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl. Set aside and refrigerate until needed. *Making the bacon is also easily done while the pasta is being prepared. We like to bake ours in the oven on a foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet for easy cooking and clean up!*

Then add all remaining salad ingredients to a large bowl, and pour the prepared dressing on top. Mix well.

Lastly, refrigerate for an hour before serving so flavors blend. Add a spoonful of mayo if the salad is too dry. The pasta will absorb the dressing the longer it sits.

Storing

Store pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Then add more mayo or dressing if needed.

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Need a dessert that will get your guests talking? Try this Crack In A Pan cookie bar dessert. It’s a 3-in-1 dessert cookie that has all the things. From a soft cookie bottom, fluffy marshmallow center, and delicious peanut butter cereal top layer sprinkled with M&Ms, this dessert recipe seems complicated, but it’s straightforward, thanks to its layers and a little love.