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Fresh Broccoli Pasta Salad

Fresh broccoli pasta salad with rotini, blanched broccoli florets, bacon, dried cranberries, and a creamy mayo-vinegar dressing. Crisp-tender broccoli and a well-coating toss make this veggie salad ideal as a bright side dish.
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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: 545
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fresh Broccoli Pasta Salad
  • 1 lb rotini or bow-tie pasta Use rotini or bow-tie pasta.
  • 4 cup broccoli florets Blanch until crisp-tender.
  • 8 bacon slices Cook until crisp and crumble.
  • 0.5 cup red onion Finely diced.
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries Adds sweet-tart bursts.
  • 0.5 cup sunflower seeds For crunch.
  • 1 cup mayonnaise Creamy base for dressing.
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar Tangy flavor in dressing.
  • 2 tbsp sugar Balances vinegar.
  • salt To taste.
  • pepper To taste.

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Cook pasta and broccoli
  1. Cook rotini or bow-tie pasta according to package directions, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop further cooking.
  2. Blanch broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes, then plunge into ice water and drain so they stay bright green and crisp-tender.
Make dressing
  1. Whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and evenly combined.
Assemble and chill
  1. Combine pasta, broccoli florets, bacon slices, red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds in a large bowl.
  2. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly.
  3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving so the flavors blend and the salad chills through.

Notes

For best texture, rinse the pasta well and use ice water for the broccoli so it stays vivid and firm. Store covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; freezing isn’t recommended because the broccoli and dressing can change texture. For a dairy-free swap, use a plant-based mayonnaise in the same amount to keep the creamy consistency.