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–+ servings
A bowl of broccoli salad with bacon and cheese on a red checkered cloth.
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Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad

Broccoli cheddar pasta salad is more like broccoli salad than deli pasta salad. The dressing is sweet and tangy, the bacon and cheddar add savory notes and the chopped broccoli gives the salad a firm texture.
Prep Time20 minutes
Chill Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 20 minutes
Course: Salad, Side Dishes
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Calories: 354kcal
Author: Kim Schob

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cups small broccoli florets raw
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • ½ cup red onion finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 12 ounces bow tie pasta cooked, drained and cooled
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cups - Metric

Instructions

  • Combine broccoli, pasta, cheddar, bacon and onion in mixing bowl.
  • Whisk mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, salt and pepper.
    Bowtie pasta and broccoli, bacon, cheese, onions, and dressing in glass bowls.
  • Toss pasta mixture with dressing.
    Glass bowl with pasta, broccoli, onions, cheese, and creamy sauce on top.
  • Cover and chill at least an hour before serving.
    Bowtie pasta salad with broccoli, cheddar cheese, and red onions in a glass bowl.

Notes

  • Cut the broccoli quite small: Large pieces make the salad awkward to eat.
  • Cool the pasta fully: Warm pasta absorbs dressing too fast and the texture ends up uneven.
  • Cool the bacon crisp: Crisp bacon keeps its texture better after chilling.
  • Taste it when cold: Sometimes chilled food can need another pinch of salt.

Nutrition

Calories: 354kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 423mg | Potassium: 167mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 503IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Vitamin D: 0.2µg | Calcium: 223mg | Iron: 1mg