Creamy Broccoli Pasta Salad
Creamy Broccoli Pasta Salad combines tender rotini pasta with crisp broccoli and smoky bacon, all tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing. This salad recipe has sweet dried cranberries and crunchy walnuts, adding texture and flavor that elevate this dish beyond the ordinary. It is easy to prepare and perfect for making ahead, which makes it ideal for busy weeknights or large gatherings.
The mix of crunchy veggies, creamy dressing, and savory bacon makes this salad a hit with everyone. It’s fresh enough for those watching what they eat, but still rich and satisfying for anyone craving something a little indulgent. That balance is why it’s a favorite at get-togethers.
My family loves their carbs, so this Creamy Broccoli Salad works for them, and I love the veggies in the mix. It’s a win for everyone, just like this Creamy Bacon Tomato Pasta Salad and Deviled Egg Pasta Salad. Of course, serving a fresh salad like my Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad or lightened up Paleo Broccoli Salad makes me a happy girl.
Salads are easy to prepare and they transport well to any gathering or event and go with just about anything else served at a party or potluck. They’re my go-to side dish for dinners most of the week.
Creamy Broccoli Pasta Salad
This pasta salad brings together everything you want in a cold side dish: crunch, creaminess, and just the right balance of savory and sweet. Inspired by classic broccoli salad but bulked up with pasta, it’s satisfying enough to be served as a light meal or hearty potluck addition.
The homemade dressing is simple yet flavorful, and the salad holds its texture even after sitting for a day, and the flavors are even better. You can easily modify the mix-ins to suit your taste or use what you have on hand, making this a highly adaptable staple.
Timesaving Tips and Variations
This broccoli cheddar pasta salad recipe is already quick, but a few shortcuts and swaps can make it even faster, or suit specific preferences.
- Use store-bought bacon crumbles to save cooking time.
- Swap walnuts for sunflower seeds if you need a nut-free version.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayo to lighten the dressing.
- Use shredded bagged broccoli slaw instead of chopping fresh broccoli.
- Try bowtie or penne pasta if rotini isn’t available.
These small changes help you tailor the dish without sacrificing flavor. It’s especially useful for busy weeks or large gatherings.
Best Dishes to Serve with Pasta Salads
This side dish fits into nearly any menu and complements a wide range of mains. It adds color and texture without overpowering other dishes. Try serving it with a few of these:
- Slow Cooker BBQ Beef Sandwiches
- Cheeseburger Crunch Wraps
- Ham and Cheese Sliders
- Herb Marinated Grilled Chicken
- Summer Charcuterie Board
This pasta salad holds up well when served alongside a variety of foods and stays tasty even after sitting out for a while. That in itself makes it a great dish to bring to a BBQ cookout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For best taste and texture, give it a good stir before serving.
No. The texture of the mayo-based dressing and fresh vegetables won’t hold up to freezing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or after chilling in the fridge for optimal taste and texture.
You can substitute bottled coleslaw dressing or use a blend of mayo and Greek yogurt with a little honey and lemon juice for variation. These options keep the salad creamy while offering a slightly different flavor profile.
Yes. It’s best when made several hours in advance or the night before, so the flavors can meld and the pasta can fully chill. This also helps the dressing absorb into the ingredients for better flavor.
Kitchen Tools for Creamy Broccoli Pasta Salad
These are my go-to kitchen tools from Amazon that make prepping and assembling this salad easy and efficient. Having the right equipment helps streamline the process and keeps clean-up simple.
KitchenAid Universal Easy To Read Measuring Cup and Spoon Set with Soft Grip Handle for Maximum Control, Hang Hole and Nesting For Easy Storage, Dishwasher Safe, 9 Piece, Blue Velvet
Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Plastic Chopping Board Set of 4 with Non-Slip Feet and Deep Drip Juice Groove, Easy Grip Handle, Dishwasher Safe, GreenGotham Steel 5 Quart Stock Pot Ceramic Multipurpose Pasta Pot with Strainer Lid & Twist and Lock Handles, Tempered Glass Lid, Dishwasher Safe, Aqua BlueOXO Good Grips Stainless Steel 5 qt./ 4.7 L ColanderPyrex Sculpted (3-Pack) Glass Mixing Bowls Set With Lids For Prepping, Baking and Cooking, Preheated Oven, Dishwasher, Freezer, and Microwave SafeCooking Spoon for Nonstick Cookwares, Great for Cooking and Serving Sturdy BPA-Free Matte Silicone, Wood Handle Spoon for Mixing, Scoop, and Scrape (Black & Grey, 11.4 inch)
Using these items will make your prep faster and more organized, reducing frustration in the kitchen while helping you complete each step efficiently. This allows you to focus on the recipe and enjoy the cooking process more.
Ingredients and Their Role in Broccoli Pasta Salad
Creamy Broccoli Pasta Salad combines pantry ingredients with fresh produce to create a well-balanced and flavorful side.
- Rotini Pasta – A hearty base that holds the creamy dressing well.
- Broccoli & Red Onion – Add crunch, color, and a sharp bite for contrast.
- Bacon & Cheddar Cheese – Provide smoky, savory richness that balances the vegetables.
- Dried Cranberries & Chopped Walnuts – Add sweetness and crunch for texture and flavor variety.
- Mayonnaise, Sugar & White Vinegar – Combine for a creamy, tangy-sweet dressing that ties everything together.
- Salt & Pepper – Enhance and round out the flavor of the entire dish.
How to Make Broccoli Pasta Salad
Boil the Pasta
Fill a large pot halfway with water and bring it to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, tender but still firm. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta completely. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
Prep the Vegetables
While the pasta cooks and cools, chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets for easier mixing and eating. Finely dice the red onion so it blends smoothly into the salad without overpowering each bite. If using pre-washed broccoli, give it a quick check for uniform size.
Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sugar, white vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth and the sugar has dissolved. The result should be a creamy, tangy-sweet dressing that coats ingredients evenly without being overly thick.
Combine Pasta and Dressing
Pour the dressing over the cooled pasta and gently fold it in using a silicone spoon or spatula. Make sure all the noodles are evenly coated, but be careful not to break or mash the pasta while stirring.
Add Remaining Ingredients and Chill
Add the chopped broccoli, bacon pieces, cheddar cheese, red onion, dried cranberries, and walnuts to the bowl. Toss everything together until well distributed. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors blend and the salad fully chill before serving.
This can also be a delicious light lunch when served with Easy Yeast Rolls from Scratch. Don’t forget to save room for dessert – Strawberry and Blueberry Lemon Bars are super easy to make.
Creamy Broccoli Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 box (one pound) rotini pasta
- 4 cups fresh broccoli, cut into small bite sized pieces
- 1 cup bacon pieces
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- ½ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add the noodles to a large pot and fill halfway with water, then cook according to package directions until al dente. The drain and run under cold water to cool. Pour into a large bowl.
- Chop the broccoli and red onion.
- Make the dressing by stirring together the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper in a medium bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the noodles, and stir to combine.
- Add the broccoli, bacon, cheese, red onion, cranberries, and walnuts. Toss to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, or until ready to serve.
Nutritional Disclaimer
“Blogghetti” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Enjoy!
