Broccoli pasta salad is an easy side dish that belongs on the table all year long. Perfect for a summer cookout, holiday potluck, or part of a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is always a hit. Full of crisp broccoli, pasta, bacon, and a creamy dressing, it’s full of flavor in every bite.

Pasta salads like my ham pasta salad, ditalini pasta salad, and cucumber pasta salad are one of my favorite sides to make any time of the year. They are hearty enough to serve alongside almost any meal, easy to make ahead, and always a favorite with family and friends.

This broccoli pasta salad has quickly become a new favorite. It has everything that I enjoy about my copycat Chicken Salad Chick broccoli salad with the addition of pasta mixed in to make it even more satisfying.

I tested this pasta salad several times to make sure to get the right balance of textures, flavors, and dressing. After trying a few different variations, I landed on this recipe that is easy to make, tastes great, and holds up in the refrigerator.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor. Every bite is so good!
• Great for any time of the year. This doesn’t have to be just for a BBQ side dish, it is delicious at a holiday potluck, baby shower brunch, or even just a weeknight meal.
• Can be customized. Easy to add your own twist with different vegetables or added protein.
• Can be made ahead of time. Make this up to the night before to save you time.

Ingredients

The ingredients in this creamy broccoli pasta salad are simple but come together to make a flavorful dish.

• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is the star of this recipe. Make sure to cut the broccoli florets into small, bite sized pieces. I like using fresh broccoli, but if you prefer a softer texture, you can blanche the broccoli for about 60 seconds.
• Pasta: I like using small shells pasta because it holds the dressing well. You can substitute with rotini, bowtie, cavatappi, macaroni, or penne. Make sure to cook the pasta to al dente so that it doesn’t become too soft.
• Bacon: Crisp, crumbled bacon adds wonderful smokey flavor. I like using center cut bacon.
• Colby Jack cheese: Colby Jack cheese compliments the flavors of this pasta salad. Cut it into small cubes so that it is easy to eat. You can substitute with cheddar cheese or white cheddar cheese for a bolder flavor.
• Red onion: Diced red onion adds great color and mild onion flavor.
• Mayonnaise: The base of the dressing. Use your favorite brand mayonnaise like Duke’s.
• Sour cream: A little sour cream adds extra creaminess with a little bit of tang.
• Apple cider vinegar: This balances out the rich mayonnaise.
• Sugar: Just a little hint of sugar rounds out the flavors of the dressing and pasta salad.
• Salt and pepper: Salt and pepper bring all of the flavors together.

How To Make Broccoli Pasta Salad

This pasta salad recipe comes together quickly and easily. Scroll to the bottom for the full directions.

Step one: To make the pasta salad, boil the pasta according to the package directions. Make sure to boil until the pasta is al dente.

Step two: Drain the pasta well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step three: Add the pasta to a large bowl. Stir in the chopped broccoli, red onions, bacon, and cubed cheese.

Step four: Make the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.

Step five: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat. I recommend saving a little bit of the dressing to add just before serving.

Step six: Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors come together. Stir in the reserved dressing and serve.

Tips For The Best Broccoli Pasta Salad Every Time

• Cook the pasta until just al dente to help stop the cooking process.
• Cut everything into small pieces like the broccoli florets, cheese, and onions.
• Reserve a little bit of the dressing to mix in before serving. This will help the pasta salad be perfectly creamy.

Variations

Make this broccoli pasta salad with cheese your own with a few variations. Here are some suggestions:

• Chicken or ham: Add chicken or diced ham to the pasta salad for more protein and to make it a main meal.
• Ranch: Substitute the dressing with homemade ranch dressing.
• Greek yogurt: Substitute the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
• Add ins: Mix in sunflower seeds or dried cranberries.
• Nuts: Add a little extra crunch with chopped pecans or slivered almonds.

Storage Instructions

Make ahead: You can make this pasta salad with broccoli 4-24 hours ahead of time. Make sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator.

Store: Keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After that it starts to become soggy.

Freeze: I do not recommend freezing the pasta salad. It does not thaw out well.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Pasta Salad Recipes

• Shrimp pasta salad
• Coleslaw pasta salad
• Ranch pasta salad
• Spaghetti pasta salad