The beauty of this Creamy Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad lies in the balance of flavors. The crisp, savory bacon adds a smoky depth that perfectly complements the freshness of the tender broccoli. When you toss it all together with the creamy dressing, everything comes alive. The smooth, velvety texture of the dressing coats each pasta shell and vegetable, creating a satisfying mouthful in every bite. You can almost feel the warmth of the kitchen with each spoonful, as the richness of the mayo and sour cream combination makes everything feel indulgent without being too heavy. It’s a dish that hits all the right notes—creamy, crunchy, salty, and just a touch tangy. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this pasta salad will have everyone coming back for seconds, or even thirds!
Key Ingredients in Creamy Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad
Each ingredient in this pasta salad plays a crucial role in creating the perfect blend of textures and flavors. From the crunch of fresh broccoli to the smoky richness of bacon, every bite is a little masterpiece. Let’s break down the key ingredients that make this dish so irresistible:
* Elbow pasta – The pasta serves as the base of the salad, providing a sturdy and satisfying texture. Its shape holds onto the creamy dressing, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
* Olive oil – A touch of olive oil helps prevent the pasta from sticking together after cooking and adds a subtle richness that enhances the overall taste.
* Bacon – Crispy, savory, and smoky, the bacon adds that perfect crunchy element and a deep umami flavor that balances the creaminess of the dressing.
* Broccoli florets – Tender yet slightly crunchy, the broccoli brings freshness and a burst of color to the salad, complementing the richness of the bacon and dressing.
* Mayonnaise – The foundation of the creamy dressing, mayonnaise gives the salad its smooth, velvety texture while lending a rich, tangy flavor that ties everything together.
* Sour cream – Adding a bit of tang and a lightness to the dressing, sour cream balances the richness of the mayo, making each bite feel indulgent without being overly heavy.
* Dijon mustard – The Dijon mustard adds a zesty bite and a subtle heat that cuts through the creaminess, giving the dressing a little kick and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
* Apple cider vinegar – A touch of apple cider vinegar introduces just the right amount of acidity to brighten up the salad, creating a perfect contrast to the rich ingredients.
* Garlic powder – The garlic powder adds a savory, aromatic depth that enhances the other flavors without overpowering them.
* Salt – Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients, a pinch of salt ties everything together and makes each bite more satisfying.
* Black pepper – Freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle spice and a bit of warmth that rounds out the flavors of the dressing and salad.
* Shredded cheddar cheese – The cheddar adds a rich, cheesy flavor with a slight sharpness, creating a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.
* Red onion – Finely diced red onion adds a pop of color and a mild, slightly sweet crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing and smoky bacon.
* Chopped fresh parsley – Fresh parsley brings a burst of color and a refreshing herbal note that brightens the entire dish, making it feel light and vibrant.
How to Make Creamy Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
This will ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick together.
2. Add the elbow pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
The pasta should be tender with just a slight bite when you taste it.
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool.
If you prefer, run cold water over the pasta to stop the cooking process and speed up the cooling.
4. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
The oil will help cook the bacon evenly and prevent it from sticking.
5. Add the bacon slices to the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until crispy and browned, about 7 to 10 minutes.
Make sure to keep an eye on the bacon to prevent burning, and turn it for even crispiness.
6. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
The paper towel will absorb any extra fat, leaving you with crispy, perfectly cooked bacon.
7. Once the bacon has cooled, crumble it into small pieces.
Breaking it up into bite-sized chunks will ensure each forkful has a bit of crispy bacon goodness.
8. Steam the broccoli florets in a pot with a small amount of water, or microwave them until tender, about 3 to 4 minutes.
You want the broccoli to be tender but still have a slight crunch, adding freshness to the dish.
9. Once the broccoli is cooked, drain and set it aside to cool.
This will help prevent the salad from getting too warm and wilting the other ingredients.
10. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined. This will be the creamy base of your dressing.
11. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
Make sure every piece of pasta is coated in that delicious, creamy dressing.
12. Add the crumbled bacon, steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, finely diced red onion, and chopped parsley to the bowl.
These ingredients will bring a burst of flavor, texture, and color to your salad.
13. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well combined.
Be careful not to break the pasta or broccoli; just give it a good toss to evenly distribute everything.
14. Taste the pasta salad and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding extra salt or pepper to your liking.
This is your chance to make sure the flavors are just right.
15. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
This will help all the ingredients come together and intensify the deliciousness.
16. Once ready to serve, give the pasta salad one final gentle toss and enjoy!
You’re all set to serve a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad
* Pair it with grilled chicken – This pasta salad is the perfect side dish for a juicy, grilled chicken breast. The smoky flavor from the bacon and the creaminess of the dressing complements the savory grilled meat beautifully.
* Serve it at your next BBQ – Whether it’s a backyard cookout or a family gathering, this pasta salad is a crowd favorite! Serve it alongside burgers, hot dogs, or even grilled veggies for a complete spread that will keep everyone coming back for more.
* Top it with a few crispy croutons – For a little extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted croutons on top just before serving. They’ll add a satisfying bite and make the salad feel even more indulgent!
How to Store Creamy Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad
To keep your Creamy Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad fresh and flavorful, it’s important to store it properly. Here are a few simple tips to help maintain its quality:
* Refrigerate it in an airtight container – After the pasta salad has cooled to room temperature, store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge. This will keep it fresh for up to 3 days.
* Avoid freezing – While it may be tempting to save some for later, freezing this salad is not recommended. The creamy dressing and fresh veggies won’t hold up well in the freezer, and the texture may become soggy when thawed.
* Keep the bacon crispy separately – If you plan to store leftovers, you might want to store the bacon separately in a small container. This way, you can add it back to the salad just before serving to maintain its crunch.
Proper storage ensures that you can enjoy this delicious salad for a few days without sacrificing flavor or texture!
Conclusion
And there you have it—the ultimate Creamy Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad that’s bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen! Whether you’re looking for a dish to bring to a party, a crowd-pleasing side for a BBQ, or a comforting meal to enjoy at home, this pasta salad has it all. The balance of flavors and textures will leave you and your guests coming back for more, and trust me, it’s one of those recipes that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat.
I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this dish as much as I do. Feel free to print this article and save it for later whenever you need a go-to recipe that’s guaranteed to impress.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Any questions, comments, or feedback about the recipe? Or maybe you need a little help along the way? Don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to chat about food, share tips, and help out!
Creamy Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad
Description
This Creamy Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad is a dreamy combo of crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, and tender pasta, all tossed in a velvety, tangy dressing. Every bite bursts with savory goodness, making it the perfect side or light meal for any occasion!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
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Once the water is boiling, add the elbow pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
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Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool, running cold water over it to stop the cooking process if desired.
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While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the bacon slices to the skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until crispy and browned, about 7 to 10 minutes.
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Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
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Once the bacon has cooled, crumble it into small pieces.
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Next, steam the broccoli florets in a pot with a small amount of water, or microwave them until tender, about 3 to 4 minutes.
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Once the broccoli is cooked, drain and set it aside to cool.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
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Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
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Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
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Add the crumbled bacon, steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, finely diced red onion, and chopped parsley to the bowl.
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Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well combined.
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Taste the pasta salad and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding extra salt or pepper to your liking.
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Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Once ready to serve, give the pasta salad one final gentle toss and enjoy!
Note
- Let the pasta cool completely before mixing with the dressing to avoid it becoming soggy.
- For extra crunch, try adding sunflower seeds or toasted almonds to the salad.
- To make the dish lighter, swap the mayonnaise and sour cream for Greek yogurt.
- If you prefer a tangier flavor, increase the amount of apple cider vinegar or Dijon mustard.
- You can prepare the salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
