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Broccoli, Grape, and Pasta Salad

Broccoli salad with grape pasta salad vibes—pasta shells tossed with bright green broccoli and purple grapes in a creamy sweet-savory dressing. Chill it for a potluck-ready, colorful salad with crunchy sunflower seeds and smoky bacon on top.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
chilling 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

pasta salad base
  • 1 lb pasta shells or rotini
  • 4 cup broccoli florets blanched
  • 2 cup red grapes halved
  • 0.25 cup red onion finely diced
  • 0.5 cup sunflower seeds
  • 6 slice bacon cooked and crumbled
creamy dressing
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 0.25 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 0.5 tsp salt to taste
  • 0.5 tsp pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan
  • 1 large pot

Method
 

Cook and cool the pasta and broccoli
  1. Cook the pasta shells or rotini according to package directions, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes, then plunge into ice water and drain so they stay bright green.
Make the creamy sweet-savory dressing
  1. Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Assemble and chill
  1. Combine the pasta, broccoli, red grapes, and red onion in a large bowl for an even mix of colors.
  2. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat every ingredient.
  3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld before serving.
Finish for serving
  1. Top the chilled salad with sunflower seeds and crumbled bacon right before serving for crunch and contrast.

Notes

For best texture, rinse the pasta well and drain the broccoli thoroughly before mixing—excess water can thin the dressing. Refrigerate in a covered container for up to 3 days (freeze: no). For a lighter option, use light mayonnaise or a Greek-yogurt-based mayo alternative to keep the creamy dressing while reducing fat.