This Easy Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Salad is a fun and tasty dish that brings together pasta, fresh broccoli, and your favorite cheese. It’s creamy, crunchy, and oh so cheesy!
This dish is great for lunch or a potluck! I love tossing it together quickly whenever I’m in a pinch. You’ll have a colorful salad that makes everyone happy—what’s not to love? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: Rotini works great for this salad as the spirals hold onto the dressing nicely. If you don’t have rotini, you could use penne or fusilli. Gluten-free pasta is also a good option for those who need it.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is best for crunch and flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use frozen broccoli florets—just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the salad.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice tang. If you prefer something milder, feel free to use Monterey Jack or even mozzarella. Dairy-free cheese is available, too, for lactose intolerance.
Bacon: Crumbled bacon gives a lovely crunch. For a vegetarian version, try using smoked paprika or coconut bacon for a similar flavor without meat.
How Do I Perfectly Blanch Broccoli?
Blanching helps the broccoli stay bright and crisp. Here’s how to do it right:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This enhances the broccoli’s color and taste.
- Drop in the broccoli florets and cook for just 1-2 minutes—that’s all it takes!
- Once done, drain immediately and plunge the broccoli into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. This step allows it to retain its vibrant color.
Following these steps gives you perfectly crunchy broccoli that pops in your salad!
Easy Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups rotini pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled bacon (cooked and drained)
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare and should chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. In total, you can have it ready to serve in about 1 hour and 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop cooking and cool it off. Set it aside.
2. Blanching the Broccoli:
While the pasta is cooking, bring another pot of water to a boil. Carefully add the fresh broccoli florets and blanch them for 1-2 minutes until they’re bright green but still crispy. After blanching, drain the broccoli and immediately place them in a bowl of ice water to cool them down fast and lock in that color. Once cooled, drain again and set aside.
3. Mixing the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, blanched broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and diced red onion. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
4. Making the Dressing:
In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Combining Everything:
Pour the dressing over the pasta and broccoli mixture. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
6. Chilling the Salad:
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps the flavors meld together nicely!
7. Serving the Salad:
Before serving, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute any dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary—add more salt or pepper if you like. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and fresh broccoli pasta salad!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Salad
Can I Use Different Pasta Types for This Salad?
Absolutely! While rotini works great for holding the dressing, you can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian-Friendly?
To make this pasta salad vegetarian, simply omit the crumbled bacon. You can add extra flavor with smoked paprika or include additional veggies like bell peppers or diced cucumbers for crunch without the meat!
Can I Prepare This Salad the Night Before?
Yes! This salad is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to toss it gently before serving, and you may want to add a splash of fresh dressing for extra creaminess.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you find that it gets dry, stir in a little extra mayonnaise or sour cream when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
