Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad

Looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish that works for both weeknight dinners and summer potlucks? This Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad offers a delightful blend of crisp broccoli, chewy rotini, savory bacon, and tangy-sweet mayonnaise dressing. Ready in just over 3 hours (including chill time), it’s an easy make-ahead salad that keeps well and tastes even better after resting. Red onions lend a mild sharpness, while the mayo-vinegar-sugar dressing hits the perfect balance of creamy and bright. This dish is perfect as a refreshing side, potluck stunner, or packing in lunches—fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free! 

Ingredients (4 servings)

• ½ lb bacon, cooked & crumbled

• 1 lb broccoli, cut into florets

• ½ cup red onion, diced

• 1 package rotini pasta (~12–16 oz)

• 2 cups mayonnaise

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup red wine vinegar

• 2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp ground black pepper

Directions

1. Cook pasta as directed; drain and cool.

2. Blanch broccoli until bright green and tender-crisp; drain.

3. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, broccoli, bacon, and red onion.

4. Whisk mayo, sugar, vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.

5. Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat evenly.

6. Chill at least 3 hours before serving to meld flavors.

7. Stir before serving; enjoy cold or at room temperature

Nutrition

• Calories: ~650 kcal

• Fat: ~45 g (saturated fat ~12 g)

• Carbs: ~50 g (sugars ~12 g)

• Protein: ~12 g

• Sodium: ~900 mg

• Fiber: ~4 g