Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Pasta Salad

If you’re looking for a pasta salad that is creamy, crunchy, savory, and packed with flavor, this Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Pasta Salad is a delicious choice. It combines tender pasta, crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese in a creamy dressing with just the right balance of sweetness and tanginess.

It works beautifully as a side dish for a barbecue, picnic, potluck, family dinner, or summer gathering. Best of all, much of the preparation can be done ahead of time, making it an easy dish when you’re feeding a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad

This recipe brings several different textures together in one bowl. The pasta provides a soft, hearty base, while fresh broccoli adds a pleasant crunch. Crispy bacon contributes a smoky, salty flavor, and cheddar cheese adds richness.

The creamy dressing ties everything together without requiring complicated ingredients. After a short rest in the refrigerator, the flavors have even more time to blend.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

• 12 ounces rotini or bow-tie pasta
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
• ½ cup finely diced red onion
• ½ cup sunflower seeds
• ¼ cup chopped green onions

For the Creamy Dressing

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Begin by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it becomes golden brown and crisp.

Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and allow it to cool. Once cooled, crumble or chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Set aside a small amount of bacon for sprinkling over the finished salad if desired.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until it is tender but still slightly firm.

Avoid overcooking the pasta because very soft noodles can become mushy after they are mixed with the dressing.

Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse it briefly under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta for the salad.

Allow the pasta to drain well before continuing.

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