This Broccoli Pasta Salad is an easy side dish made with tender pasta, fresh broccoli and cauliflower, crispy bacon, golden raisins, and sunflower seeds. A creamy homemade dressing brings everything together for a flavorful potluck recipe that is perfect for summer cookouts, picnics, and family gatherings.
There are certain recipes that just seem to belong in the summer. They are easy to make, require minimal cooking, and taste even better when chilled. This salad fits that description perfectly.
This Broccoli Pasta Salad has all those familiar flavors you love, plus a few unexpected touches that make it stand out. The combination of crisp vegetables, smoky bacon, and sweet raisins creates a balanced and satisfying dish.
Table of Contents
Broccoli Pasta Salad
PrintBroccoli Pasta Salad
This Broccoli Pasta Salad is an easy side dish made with tender pasta, fresh broccoli and cauliflower, crispy bacon, golden raisins, and sunflower seeds. A creamy homemade dressing brings everything together for a flavorful potluck recipe that is perfect for summer cookouts, picnics, and family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 8 1x
- Method: Dessert, Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1½ cups mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups dry radiatore pasta (about 5 ounces )
- 8 slices bacon
- 2 cups small fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup small fresh cauliflower florets
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- ¼ cup golden raisins
- 3 tablespoons sunflower seeds
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Cover and refrigerate the dressing while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse it under cold water until cooled. Allow the pasta to drain thoroughly.
- While the pasta cooks, cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool enough to handle, crumble it into small pieces.
- Add the cooled pasta, crumbled bacon, broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, golden raisins, and sunflower seeds to a large bowl. Gently stir to combine.
- Pour the chilled dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Give the salad another gentle stir just before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 478 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 575 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 33 mg
