Description
This cozy Broccoli Bacon Pasta Salad for Spring combines crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, tender pasta, and a creamy honey-mayo dressing. Perfect for family lunches, picnics, or seasonal gatherings, it’s quick, flavorful, and full of love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or walnuts (optional)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions, rinse, and cool.
- Blanch broccoli in boiling water 1–2 mins, shock in ice water, drain.
- Cook bacon until crispy, chop.
- Mix mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper for dressing.
- Combine pasta, broccoli, bacon, onion, cheese, and seeds. Toss with dressing.
- Chill 30 mins before serving.
Notes
Blanch broccoli for vibrant color and crunch. Adjust dressing tanginess with more vinegar if desired. Add seeds or cheese last to maintain texture. Great for make-ahead meals or potlucks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg