Broccoli Pasta Salad

The Broccoli Pasta Salad is the perfect fusion of freshness and flavor, offering a delightful combination of crisp broccoli, chewy pasta, creamy dressing, and savory mix-ins. Whether you serve it cold at a backyard cookout or pack it in your lunchbox, this versatile dish never fails to please.

What makes it truly special is how effortlessly you can make it your own, add extra veggies, try different cheeses, toss in grilled chicken, or opt for a vegan dressing. It’s vibrant, nutrient-packed, and absolutely satisfying. This recipe is a must-have for your rotation of quick and easy side dishes!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked rotini pasta (cooled)

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (blanched or raw)

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/3 cup bacon bits or crumbled cooked bacon

• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional for crunch)

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine rotini pasta, broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and bacon bits.

2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.

4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

5. Garnish with sunflower seeds before serving if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes (for pasta and blanching) | Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)

Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Broccoli Pasta Salad: A Classic with a Crunchy, Creamy Twist

Broccoli Pasta Salad is a beloved dish that combines the heartiness of pasta with the crisp freshness of broccoli, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s not just a side dish; it’s the kind of recipe that can steal the show at a picnic table, summer barbecue, or weekday lunchbox. Whether you’re looking for something to make ahead, serve cold, or simply feed a crowd without fuss, this recipe checks all the boxes.

This version of broccoli pasta salad delivers bold flavor, rich textures, and a nutrition boost that makes you feel good about every bite. With cheddar cheese, bacon bits, sunflower seeds, and cherry tomatoes all mingling together in a lightly sweetened mayo-based dressing, the result is a satisfying medley that’s as vibrant to look at as it is to eat.

Let’s explore everything that makes this dish a must-have in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Pasta Salad

1. It’s Quick and Easy.
You don’t need to be a professional chef to master this recipe. In under 30 minutes, you can have it prepped and chilling in your fridge.

2. It’s Make-Ahead Friendly.
This salad actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours. It gives the flavors time to blend, making it ideal for parties, picnics, and potlucks.

3. It’s Incredibly Versatile.
Don’t have rotini? Use macaroni, penne, or bow ties. Want it meat-free? Skip the bacon. You can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

4. It’s Family-Friendly.
Kids love the fun pasta shapes and cheesy flavor, while adults appreciate the balanced taste and satisfying crunch.

5. It Travels Well.
Going to a BBQ or picnic? This salad holds up great in coolers and doesn’t wilt quickly like leafy salads do.

Ingredient Deep Dive

Pasta

Rotini pasta is used here because its spirals catch the creamy dressing perfectly. However, elbow macaroni or farfalle (bow tie pasta) also work well. Whole wheat or chickpea pasta can be substituted for added fiber or protein.

Broccoli

Raw broccoli gives a fantastic crunch, but you can quickly blanch it if you prefer a slightly softer bite and more vivid green color. Broccoli is rich in fiber, Vitamin C, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious addition.

Cheddar Cheese

Shredded cheddar brings richness and depth to the salad. You can use sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor, or go for a milder version if that suits your preference. For a creamier texture, cube the cheese instead of shredding it.

Red Onion

A little goes a long way. Red onion adds a punch of flavor and beautiful color. If you find raw onion too sharp, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it.

Cherry Tomatoes

They add brightness, sweetness, and a pop of color. Grape tomatoes work just as well. For extra flavor, try roasted cherry tomatoes.

Bacon Bits

Smoky bacon adds an irresistible savory note. You can use pre-cooked bacon crumbles for convenience, or cook and crumble fresh bacon. Want a vegetarian version? Use smoky tempeh or omit the bacon altogether.

Sunflower Seeds

Optional, but highly recommended. These add crunch and a slightly nutty flavor. You can substitute them with pumpkin seeds or slivered almonds.

The Dressing

The magic of this salad lies in its dressing: a combination of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey. The mayo adds creaminess, the vinegar adds brightness, and the honey balances the flavors with a touch of sweetness. If you prefer a lighter option, swap part of the mayo with Greek yogurt.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

This broccoli pasta salad may be creamy and indulgent, but it still offers a balanced plate. The pasta provides complex carbohydrates, the broccoli and tomatoes offer vitamins and fiber, and the cheese and bacon bring in protein and fat to keep you feeling satisfied.

Here are some nutritional highlights:

• Broccoli: High in Vitamin C, fiber, and cancer-fighting compounds.

• Pasta: A source of energy and depending on your choice, can be high in fiber and protein.

• Cheddar cheese: A calcium-rich addition that supports bone health.

• Apple cider vinegar: Believed to support digestion and blood sugar control.

• Sunflower seeds: Full of Vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats.

Of course, balance is key. While this salad has a creamy dressing, it’s easy to control portion sizes and adjust ingredients if you’re aiming for something lighter.

Creative Variations

Here are a few delicious twists to try:

• Southwest Style: Add black beans, corn, avocado, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese.

• Mediterranean: Toss in olives, feta, cucumber, and a lemon-olive oil vinaigrette instead of mayo.

• Vegan: Use plant-based mayo and vegan bacon bits or smoked tofu.

• Protein Boost: Stir in diced grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or chickpeas for extra protein.

Perfect Pairings

This salad pairs beautifully with many main courses. Here are a few favorites:

• Grilled meats like chicken, pork chops, or steak

• Barbecued ribs or pulled pork sliders

• Fresh seafood, such as grilled salmon or shrimp skewers

• Sandwiches and wraps, especially at picnics

• Vegetarian mains, like stuffed peppers or veggie burgers

And don’t forget, this salad can also stand on its own as a light lunch or dinner!

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days. The pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time, so if it seems dry, just stir in a spoonful of mayo or a splash of vinegar before serving again.

Avoid freezing this salad, as the texture of the pasta and dressing may become unpleasant once thawed.

Make It Ahead

Planning for a party or week of lunches? This salad is ideal for making ahead of time. In fact, it’s even better when it sits in the fridge for a few hours. Just keep the sunflower seeds or crunchy toppings aside until ready to serve, so they don’t get soggy.

Kid-Friendly Tips

This recipe is a great way to sneak more veggies into your kids’ meals. Try cutting the broccoli extra small or blanching it for a softer texture. Using fun pasta shapes like wheels or bowties can also make the dish more appealing to little eaters.

You can also serve it deconstructed for picky eaters, keeping the ingredients separate and letting them choose what to mix together.

Conclusion

Broccoli Pasta Salad is a simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable dish that deserves a spot in your regular recipe rotation. With minimal cooking, maximum flavor, and a nutritional boost from broccoli and fresh ingredients, it’s a perfect recipe for busy weeknights, weekend cookouts, or meal prep sessions.

Whether you serve it as a side, a main, or a potluck star, one thing’s for sure: this creamy, crunchy, colorful salad will always be a crowd-pleaser. Keep it classic or make it your own, the possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

Now that you’ve seen how easy and flavorful this dish can be, it’s time to grab your ingredients and make it a part of your kitchen story!