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+ servings
Broccoli Pasta Salad

Delicious Broccoli Pasta Salad Ready in Minutes

This Broccoli Pasta Salad is a quick and easy dish, combining fresh veggies, creamy dressing, and hearty pasta, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Rotini or Penne Pasta Cook until al dente.
For the Salad
  • 2 cups Fresh Broccoli Chopped into bite-sized florets.
  • 1 small Red Onion Chopped; substitute green onions if preferred.
  • 6 strips Bacon Crispy, or use crispy chickpeas for vegetarian.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Or Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
  • 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar Apple cider vinegar can be used.
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Optional if watching sugar intake.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper Adjust to taste.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Serving Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  2. Prepare the Broccoli: Wash and chop the fresh broccoli into florets. Blanch in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to ice water to maintain color and crunch.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until creamy and well-blended.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a big serving bowl, add cooled pasta and blanched broccoli. Stir in chopped onion and pour in the dressing. Toss gently to coat.
  5. Chill for Flavor Development: Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours for flavors to meld.
  6. Add the Bacon Before Serving: Stir in crumbled bacon just before serving for crunch. Serve cold.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, let the salad rest in the fridge for a few hours to enhance the flavors.

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