Broccoli Pasta Salad: Ready in 20 Minutes
Want a super easy pasta salad that everyone will love? This Broccoli Pasta Salad is my absolute favorite! It’s fresh, creamy, and so simple to make. The crunchy broccoli mixed with soft pasta tastes amazing.
You can bring it to parties or make it for dinner tonight. My family asks for this dish all the time! If you like fun pasta recipes, check out my Tri-Colored Pasta Salad, too.
This Broccoli Pasta Salad takes only 20 minutes to put together. Perfect for busy days, right? The creamy dressing makes every bite taste wonderful. Trust me, you’ll make this again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few simple ingredients for this yummy salad. Check the recipe card for the full list and all the amounts you need.
- Rotini Pasta: These little spirals grab onto the dressing really well and taste so good in every bite.
- Fresh Broccoli Florets: Crunchy, bright green pieces that make this salad healthy and super fresh tasting overall.
- Red Onion: Slice it thin for a nice tangy flavor that makes the creamy dressing taste even better.
- Cheddar Cheese: Cut it into cubes for a rich, cheesy flavor that everyone loves in this salad.
- Bacon: Crispy bits that add a smoky, salty crunch to each spoonful you take from the bowl.
- Mayonnaise: This makes the dressing creamy and smooth, holding everything together perfectly in the salad.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a tangy zip that brightens up all the flavors and cuts through the creaminess nicely.
How to Make Broccoli Pasta Salad
Making this salad is really easy! Just cook pasta, chop some veggies, and mix everything with dressing. Let me show you how.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the rotini pasta in salty water like the package says for about 8-10 minutes until it’s tender. Drain it, rinse with cold water to cool it down, and set it aside in a bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
Chop 3 cups of fresh broccoli into small bite-sized pieces that are all about the same size. If you want softer broccoli, boil it for 2 minutes, then put it in ice water quickly.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
Whisk together ¾ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt until smooth. The dressing should be creamy and tangy with a little sweetness mixed in there too.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Add cooled pasta, broccoli florets, ½ cup diced red onion, 1 cup cubed cheddar cheese, and ½ cup crumbled bacon to your bowl. Mix everything gently so all the good stuff gets spread out evenly for great flavor.
Step 5: Dress and Chill
Pour the prepared dressing over everything and toss it all together until the dressing coats every piece nicely. Put it in the fridge for at least 1 hour so the flavors can blend together beautifully.
Tips for the Best Broccoli Pasta Salad
- Use cold pasta so your mayo stays thick and creamy instead of getting runny and weird looking.
- Blanch broccoli briefly if you want it softer and easier to chew than totally raw pieces would be.
- Dice ingredients uniformly so every single forkful has all the yummy flavors mixed together perfectly in it.
- Chill before serving because this makes all the flavors get stronger and taste SO much better overall.
- Reserve extra dressing because pasta soaks it up, so add more right before you serve for freshness.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to change things up? This recipe is super flexible! Here are some fun ideas to try.
- Swap bacon for turkey bacon or leave it out completely if you want something lighter or don’t eat meat.
- Try Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a tangier taste that has more protein and fewer calories, too.
- Add cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for pretty colors and extra veggies that make it even healthier and tasty. Just like my Caesar Pasta Salad, you can mix in whatever you like!
- Use different cheese varieties like feta, mozzarella, or pepper jack to change up the flavor however you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this broccoli pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! Make it up to 24 hours early. Keep it in the fridge covered, then add dressing before serving.
How long does broccoli pasta salad last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge when you store it in a container with a lid.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Sure! Just thaw it first and squeeze out all the water with paper towels before you add it.
What to serve with broccoli pasta salad?
Serve it with grilled chicken, burgers, or sandwiches, or eat it by itself for lunch. PERFECT for cookouts!
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes! Use vegan mayo and skip the cheese, or use dairy-free cheese if you want some in there.
Should I use raw or cooked broccoli?
Either way works great! Raw is super crunchy, while cooked is softer and easier on your tummy.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting soggy?
Rinse cooked pasta with cold water right away, drain it well, and don’t add too much dressing at once.
Can I add protein to make this a main dish?
Absolutely! Add grilled chicken, shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, or chickpeas to make it more filling and hearty.
Broccoli Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Boil pasta in salty water until tender for 8-10 minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- Chop broccoli into small pieces and boil for 2 minutes if you want softer broccoli florets.
- Whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper together until the dressing is smooth and well mixed.
- Combine cooled pasta, broccoli, red onion, cheddar cheese, and bacon in your big mixing bowl together.
- Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss well until everything is coated with the creamy dressing completely.
- Cover bowl and put in fridge for at least 1 hour so flavors can blend together nicely.
- Toss again before serving and add more dressing if needed because pasta absorbs the dressing sometimes.
- Add extra bacon or fresh herbs on top if you want to make it look pretty.
Notes
- Make this salad the night before for better flavor and to save time on busy days.
- Raw broccoli works fine, but cooking it briefly makes it easier to digest and brighter green.
- Add sunflower seeds, raisins, or dried cranberries if you want extra texture and sweet flavor notes.
- Save some dressing on the side and add it right before serving for the best consistency.
- Leftovers keep for up to 4 days in a covered container stored in your refrigerator.
