Classic Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe
Broccoli Pasta Salad is one of those classic dishes that brings comfort, color, and crunch all in one bite. It’s perfect for picnics, church potlucks, backyard barbecues, or even just as a make-ahead side for your weeknight dinners. Packed with fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, cheese, sweet cranberries, and a creamy dressing, this salad is always a crowd favorite. I love serving mine in a vintage Pyrex mixing bowl—something about the retro charm just makes the meal feel a little more special.
Servings: 12–18 Servings of Broccoli Pasta Salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Storage: Keep refrigerated
You’ll Need:
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large pot
- Colander
- Medium bowl
- Spoon
- Large bowl
- Silicone spoon or spatula
Ingredients to Make Broccoli Pasta Salad:
- 1 box rotini pasta noodles
- 4 cups broccoli, cut into small bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup bacon pieces
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Directions to Make Broccoli Pasta Salad:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool, then transfer to a large bowl.
While the pasta cooks, chop the broccoli and red onion.
In a medium bowl, make the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, sugar, white vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the cooled pasta and stir well to coat.
Add in the chopped broccoli, bacon pieces, shredded cheese, red onion, cranberries, and walnuts. Toss gently to combine everything evenly.
Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to let the flavors blend. Serve chilled.
This Broccoli Pasta Salad holds up beautifully in the fridge and even tastes better the next day. It’s great for feeding a crowd or having ready as a side dish throughout the week. And if you love using vintage kitchenware like I do, this recipe is a beautiful way to show off your favorite serving bowl.
Broccoli Pasta salad
Packed with fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, cheese, sweet cranberries, and a creamy dressing, this salad is always a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 box rotini pasta noodles
- 4 cups broccoli, cut into small bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup bacon pieces
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
Drain and rinse the rotini under cold water to cool, then transfer to a large bowl.
While the pasta cooks, chop the broccoli and red onion.
In a medium bowl, make the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, sugar, white vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the cooled pasta and stir well to coat.
Add in the chopped broccoli, bacon pieces, shredded cheese, red onion, cranberries, and walnuts. Toss gently to combine everything evenly.
Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to let the flavors blend. Serve chilled.
Notes
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large pot
- Colander
- Medium bowl
- Spoon
- Large bowl
- Silicone spoon or spatula
Nutrition Information
Yield 16 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 333Total Fat 27gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 21gCholesterol 23mgSodium 454mgCarbohydrates 17gFiber 2gSugar 11gProtein 6g
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
-
Non-Toxic Bathroom and Laundry Swaps for a Healthier Home
Make your home healthier with simple non‑toxic swaps in the bathroom and laundry room. From safer personal care products to low‑waste laundry essentials, these easy changes help reduce chemicals, cut clutter, and support a more sustainable homestead—one everyday choice at a time.
-
Non-Toxic Bedroom Swaps for a Healthier Home
Non-Toxic Bedroom Swaps to create a healthier sleep space with simple, practical changes anyone can make. Check out our list!
-
Homemade Electrolyte Drink: Easy Hydration Recipe
A homemade electrolyte drink gives you control over the ingredients, the flavor, and the sweetness, making it an easy alternative to store‑bought options when you need extra hydration. You can mix a small batch, adjust it to your taste, and keep it chilled in the refrigerator for busy days outside. It’s simple, customizable, and a practical recipe to have on hand whenever you want a clean, refreshing way to replace electrolytes
-
Fall & Thanksgiving Homestead Gift Guide
Celebrate the season with our Fall & Thanksgiving Homestead Gift Guide! Discover thoughtful gifts for gardeners, home cooks, and country living enthusiasts. From cozy fall clothing and kitchen essentials to garden supplies and sweet treats, these finds bring a little extra warmth to the season. Whether you’re shopping for Thanksgiving or getting a head start on holiday gifting, you’ll find practical gifts for a homegrown lifestyle.
-
Non-Toxic Kitchen Swaps for a Healthier Home
Non-Toxic Kitchen Swaps to create a healthier kitchen with simple product changes and practical cooking tips.
-
Homemade Dishwasher Powder: Easy DIY Detergent Recipe
Homemade Dishwasher Powder made with simple ingredients for an easy, affordable alternative to store-bought dishwasher detergent.
