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Broccoli Pasta Salad

Broccoli Pasta Salad

A crisp, creamy, and savory cold pasta salad loaded with fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a tangy yogurt-mayo dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 410

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb dry rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
  • 0.5 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 0.5 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 0.5 cup roasted sunflower seeds
  • 0.5 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
  • 0.75 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.25 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Boil Pasta: Cook the pasta in heavily salted boiling water according to package directions for al dente.
  2. Blanch Broccoli: During the last 2 minutes of pasta boiling time, add the broccoli florets directly into the pot.
  3. Drain and Cool: Drain the pasta and broccoli together in a colander. Rinse immediately under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the ingredients.
  4. Mix Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  5. Combine: Add the cooled pasta, broccoli, red onion, bacon, sunflower seeds, and cheddar cubes to the dressing. Toss well to coat evenly. Serve cold.

Notes

  • If making ahead, wait to stir in the sunflower seeds until just before serving to maintain their crunch.
  • Add a splash of milk if the salad seems dry the next day.