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Creamy Broccoli Bacon Cheddar Pasta Salad Recipe with Honey Mustard Dressing

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A quick and easy creamy pasta salad combining rotini, crisp bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh broccoli, all tossed in a tangy honey mustard dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta, cooked al dente
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley
  • Optional: toasted sunflower seeds

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, bring another pot of water to boil. Blanch 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets for 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer to an ice bath or rinse with cold water to keep the crisp texture. Drain well and pat dry.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook 6 slices of thick-cut bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat. Once cooled, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, blanched broccoli, crumbled bacon, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, and 1/4 cup finely diced red onion. Pour the honey mustard dressing over the top.
  6. Gently toss all ingredients until evenly coated with the dressing. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Taste before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Rinse pasta after cooking to help dressing cling better and prevent sogginess. Blanch broccoli for exactly 2 minutes and cool immediately to keep crispness and bright color. Cook bacon until crispy for best texture contrast. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning after chilling. Optional add-ins include fresh parsley or toasted sunflower seeds for extra texture. For lighter dressing, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free diet. Dairy-free mayo and cheese alternatives can be used for dairy-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, broccoli salad, bacon pasta salad, cheddar pasta salad, honey mustard dressing, easy side dish, picnic recipe, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/creamy-broccoli-bacon-cheddar-pasta-salad-recipe-with-honey-mustard-dressing-easy-homemade-side-dish/