Broccoli Cheese Pasta Salad with Bacon will be the star of your barbecue! This easy pasta salad recipe will get everyone to eat their vegetables and like it.
Who doesn’t love a good pasta salad at summertime potlucks and barbecues? Not only is pasta salad a guaranteed crowd pleaser, it can be prepared ahead of time and served cold.
Plus, pasta salad is usually easy to make and inexpensive.
Plus, pasta salad is usually easy to make and inexpensive.
Traditional pasta salad recipes are still going to be a favorite. But, people seem to love trying the unique pasta salads with interesting flavor combinations.
Hey, it’s Nicole from WonkyWonderful here to bring you another easy family recipe. I’m all about saving time and energy while making tasty recipes that the entire family will love.
You do not have to spend hours in the kitchen to make fresh, homemade meals. If you like this Bacon Shrimp Pasta Salad, check out my Caprese Pasta Salad and Spinach Tortellini Pasta Salad.
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Helpful Tips to make Broccoli Cheese Pasta Salad:
- As a shortcut you can buy the precut broccoli. Usually the pieces are still a bit larger than I prefer so I trim the stems and large florets. In a pinch this can save you some time.
- Add in extra veggies to bulk up this pasta salad even more. Fresh spinach, onions, zucchini, olives or tomatoes would all be great additions.
- Use your preferred pasta. I like campanelle pasta for this salad but, most any pasta will work just as well.
- Transfer the hot, drained pasta directly over the prepared broccoli to make it slightly tender. If you prefer the broccoli to be even more tender, place it in the colander and pour the pasta/water directly over it. This will cook it slightly.
- I prefer to cook bacon in the oven. Spray a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick. Lay bacon flat on pan. Bake at 375ºF for approximately 15-20 minutes.
What you will need to make Broccoli Cheese Pasta Salad:
- Large Colander- You will need this to drain the pasta.
- Sharp Knife- This recipe requires some chopping. A good, sharp knife is always handy to have in the kitchen.
- Measuring Cup- You want to get the dressing measured and mixed up completely before adding into the pasta salad.
Enjoy!
With love from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Check out more of our favorite pasta salad recipes:
Pasta Salad Recipe, Broccoli Cheese, Cold Pasta Salad, Easy Pasta Salad
Pasta
American
Broccoli Cheese Pasta Salad
Broccoli Cheese Pasta Salad with Bacon will be the star of your barbecue! This easy pasta salad recipe will get everyone to eat their vegetables and like it.
Ingredients
Salad
- 16 ounces Campanelle Pasta - cooked according to package instructions
- 2 Large Broccoli Crowns - stems removed, trimmed down to small pieces
- 8 ounces Cooked Bacon - chopped
- 4 Celery Stalks - chopped
- 1 Red Bell Pepper - seeded & chopped
- 8 ounces Mild Cheddar Cheese - cubed
Dressing
- 1/2 Cup Mayonnaise
- 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Sugar
Instructions
- Place prepared broccoli florets into large bowl. After draining pasta, transfer hot pasta to bowl. Allow the hot pasta to cool on top of broccoli. This will make the broccoli slightly tender.
- Once pasta is cooled add the remaining pasta salad ingredients.
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients until fully combined.
- Pour dressing over pasta salad. Gently toss until salad ingredients are evenly coated with dressing.
COOK'S NOTES
- This amount of dressing is for a lightly dressed salad. If you prefer a heavily dressed pasta salad, double dressing recipe
- For best results, refrigerate 2+ hours before serving.
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