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Broccoli Pasta Salad

Delicious Broccoli Pasta Salad for Effortless Entertaining

This Broccoli Pasta Salad combines rotini, broccoli, bacon, and cheddar for a quick, vibrant dish perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Can substitute with Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar Can substitute with white wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar Coconut sugar works well as an alternative
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
Salad
  • 8 ounces Rotini Pasta Gluten-free pasta can be used
  • 2 cups Broccoli Florets Fresh or frozen
  • 6 slices Crispy Cooked Bacon Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon can be substituted
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Red Onion Can use green onions for a milder taste
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Sharp cheddar for more flavor or vegan cheese for dairy-free
  • 1/4 cup Sunflower Seeds Can substitute with pumpkin seeds or omit for nut-free

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Slotted spoon
  • Plastic Wrap

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. Blanch broccoli florets in boiling water for 1 minute, then transfer to an ice water bath.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine drained rotini, blanched broccoli, crispy bacon, chopped red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir in sunflower seeds.
  5. Drizzle dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to coat evenly.
  6. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Reserve crispy bacon to sprinkle just before serving for better crunch. Don't skip the ice bath for the broccoli to keep it bright and crunchy.

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