Name: Broccoli Pasta Salad – A Fresh Twist on Side Dish Recipes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 12 ounces rotini pasta; 2 heads broccoli, chopped into small florets; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, diced or shredded; ½ cup sunflower seeds; ½ cup chopped red onion; 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1 cup mayonnaise; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons white vinegar

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We all need a few solid side dish recipes in our back pocket, and this Broccoli Pasta Salad? It’s one of those dependable, crowd-pleasing dishes I keep coming back to. Whether you’re heading to a potluck, packing for a picnic, or trying to get something on the table with minimal fuss, this one works every time. You get tender pasta, crisp broccoli, and a creamy homemade dressing that ties it all together. There’s a lovely crunch from sunflower seeds, a savory bite from the cheese, and just enough zing to keep your taste buds awake. It’s also easy to tweak—leave out the bacon or toss in some shredded rotisserie chicken if you’re feeling bold. If you’ve ever searched for side dish recipes easy enough for a Tuesday night but good enough for guests, or you’ve fallen into the endless scroll of recipe pasta salad posts, let this one be your go-to. It’s a pasta salad recipe you’ll actually want to eat, share, and make again. Think of it as your back-pocket recipe easy pasta salad style—comforting, crunchy, and just a little creamy.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe
3) Ingredients for Broccoli Pasta Salad
4) How to Make Broccoli Pasta Salad
5) Tips for Making Broccoli Pasta Salad
6) Making Broccoli Pasta Salad Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Broccoli Pasta Salad
8) Try these Side Dish Recipes next!
9) Broccoli Pasta Salad
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This broccoli pasta salad combines crunchy, creamy, and savory all in one bowl.
Perfect side dish for picnics, barbecues, and last-minute get-togethers.
Flexible ingredients make it easy to customize to your taste.
Ideal for prepping ahead and storing for quick weekday lunches.

2) Easy Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe

I’ve made a lot of side dish recipes over the years, but this broccoli pasta salad holds a special spot in my heart—and in my fridge. It’s got that perfect mix of creamy dressing, crunchy veggies, and just enough tang to keep each bite interesting. Two things I always want from my pasta salads? Simplicity and flavor. This one delivers both.

What makes it even better is how easy it is to toss together. Boil the pasta, mix the dressing, throw everything in a bowl. Done. You don’t need to be a kitchen wizard or spend hours prepping. It’s straightforward and forgiving, like the kind of recipe your future self will thank you for when hunger hits and the fridge is bare.

And when you’re looking for side dish recipes easy to make but tasty enough to impress, this one’s ready to play. It’s not just a recipe pasta salad lovers will enjoy. It’s a solid, practical favorite that earns its keep in the weekly rotation.

3) Ingredients for Broccoli Pasta Salad

Rotini Pasta
Short and twisty, rotini holds onto dressing like a champ. It keeps the salad light but sturdy enough to scoop onto a plate without falling apart.

Broccoli
Cut into small florets, broccoli brings that earthy crunch and fresh bite. It softens slightly in the dressing but still holds its shape well in the salad.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese
That little salty tang from the cheddar gives balance to the creamy elements. I like mine diced, but shredded works in a pinch too.

Sunflower Seeds
Here’s where things get fun. The nutty crunch adds surprise in every bite. They’re a must if you want texture without going full nut.

Red Onion
Thinly sliced and raw, red onion adds a tiny bit of heat and sweetness. It’s a nice contrast to the other mellow, creamy elements.

Bacon
Crispy bacon is optional but let’s be real—everything’s better with a little bacon. It’s smoky, salty, and irresistible here.

Mayonnaise
It’s the base of the dressing and gives it that rich, creamy texture. Pick one you like, since the flavor will come through.

Granulated Sugar
It balances out the tang from the vinegar. You only need a bit, but don’t skip it—it rounds things out beautifully.

White Vinegar
This is what gives the dressing its bite. It keeps the salad from feeling too heavy or flat, tying all the flavors together.

4) How to Make Broccoli Pasta Salad

Step 1. Boil the pasta until it’s just tender, then drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking.

Step 2. In a big bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, chopped broccoli, cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, red onion, and crispy bacon.

Step 3. In a separate small bowl, mix the mayo, sugar, and vinegar until it’s smooth and creamy. No lumps allowed.

Step 4. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Use a large spoon to stir everything until it’s evenly coated.

Step 5. Let it chill in the fridge for about an hour. That helps the flavors come together and gives the salad the right texture.

5) Tips for Making Broccoli Pasta Salad

Cook the pasta just until al dente. If it’s too soft, it’ll turn mushy in the dressing. Nobody wants that.

Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier to eat and helps the dressing cover every bit evenly.

If you’re not a fan of raw onions, soak the sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes before mixing them in. It takes out the harsh bite and leaves a gentle sweetness behind.

6) Making Broccoli Pasta Salad Ahead of Time

This pasta salad holds up better than most. Make it the night before if you’re planning for a party or a packed lunch. It’ll still taste fresh the next day, maybe even better.

If you’re making it early, save some of the dressing to mix in just before serving. The pasta tends to soak up the moisture while it rests, so a little extra dressing brings it back to life.

Keep the bacon out if you’re prepping far ahead. Add it right before serving so it keeps its crispiness and doesn’t get soggy in the fridge.

7) Storing Leftover Broccoli Pasta Salad

Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to four days. That makes this one of those side dish recipes you’ll keep turning to when dinner plans fall apart.

If the salad looks dry after sitting, just add a spoonful of mayo and vinegar, give it a stir, and it’s good to go again.

And if you’re like me, you’ll probably eat it straight out of the bowl while standing at the fridge door. No judgment here.

8) Try these Side Dish Recipes next!

9) Broccoli Pasta Salad