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Broccoli Pasta Salad

Delicious Broccoli Pasta Salad that's a Potluck Favorite

This Broccoli Pasta Salad combines tender rotini, crispy bacon, and tangy cranberries in a creamy dressing, making it a potluck favorite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Rotini Pasta Any pasta shape works well.
For the Veggies
  • 2 cups Broccoli Chopped small, fresh or frozen.
  • 1 small Red Onion Finely diced.
For the Protein
  • 6 strips Bacon Turkey bacon is a lighter substitution.
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Can swap with colby jack or omit.
For the Sweetness
  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries Raisins could be used instead.
  • ½ cup Chopped Walnuts Pecans or sunflower seeds make great substitutes.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Greek yogurt can lighten it up.
  • 2 tbsp Sugar Can swap with honey or agave syrup.
  • 3 tbsp White Vinegar Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice works well.
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste.
  • ½ tsp Pepper Adjust to taste.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta by boiling a large pot of water and cooking the rotini for 8–10 minutes until al dente, then drain and cool.
  2. Prepare the vegetables by washing and chopping the broccoli and finely dicing the red onion.
  3. Make the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Combine the cooled pasta with the vegetables in a large bowl and pour the dressing over, mixing gently.
  5. Add bacon, cheddar cheese, cranberries, and walnuts, folding them into the salad without mashing.
  6. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 5mg

Notes

This salad tastes better after chilling, making it perfect for make-ahead meals.

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