Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad

Here’s a delicious, crowd-pleasing Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad recipe — perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or a hearty lunch.

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🥓🥦 Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad

Serves: 6–8 | Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 10 min | Chill Time (optional): 30 min

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🧾 Ingredients:

Salad:

• 8 oz (about 3 cups) rotini or bowtie pasta

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small

• 6–8 slices crispy bacon, crumbled

• 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ small red onion, finely diced

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ¼ cup sunflower seeds (optional, for crunch)

Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp sugar (or honey)

• Salt & black pepper to taste

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👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

2. Blanch broccoli (optional): Boil for 1 minute, then shock in ice water to keep it bright and crisp.

3. In a large bowl, combine pasta, broccoli, bacon, tomatoes, onion, cheese, and sunflower seeds.

4. In a small bowl, whisk dressing ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.

5. Pour dressing over salad and toss until well coated.

6. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes (optional but enhances flavor).

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🔄 Variations:

• Swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

• Add grilled chicken to make it a full meal.

• Use cauliflower or peas instead of broccoli.