Creamy Bacon Broccoli Pasta

This creamy bacon broccoli pasta salad combines tender rotini pasta, crisp broccoli, red onion, and crunchy bacon all wrapped in a luscious sweet and tangy dressing. It's a quick and satisfying dish that stands out with its balance of creamy and fresh flavors, perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or as a vibrant side to your summer cookouts.

I first made this salad for a family picnic, and it was devoured before the day was over. Now it’s requested for every gathering because it feels both comforting and fresh.

Ingredients

• 16 ounce package rotini pasta: holds dressing well with its spiral shape for great texture
• 1 pound fresh broccoli, chopped with the stems removed: adds crunch and vibrant green color, choose firm, bright florets for the freshest bite
• ½ cup diced red onion: provides a sharp bite that contrasts the creamy dressing, look for firm onions with no soft spots
• ½ pound bacon, cooked and crumbled: delivers smoky, salty crunch, cook to crispy but not burnt for best texture
• 2 cups mayonnaise: the creamy base of the dressing, use good quality mayo for best flavor
• ½ cup red wine vinegar: adds acidity and brightness that cuts through the creaminess, select a good vinegar to avoid harshness
• ½ cup sugar: balances the vinegar with sweetness for that signature tangy taste
• 2 teaspoons salt: enhances all the flavors, use fine salt for easy mixing
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: adds warmth and a bit of bite, freshly ground is best for full flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Pasta:

Prepare the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly so the salad won’t become watery. Set pasta aside to cool.

Mix the Dressing:

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until sugar is fully dissolved, creating a smooth, balanced dressing.

Combine Salad Ingredients Without Bacon:

In a large bowl, place the cooled pasta. Add chopped broccoli and diced red onion. Pour the dressing over and mix gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.

Chill the Salad:

Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to blend and the pasta to soak up the delicious dressing.

Add Bacon and Serve:

Just before serving, sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the salad for maximum crunch. Give it a final gentle stir to distribute the bacon and serve chilled.

Pin it

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days but will lose its bacon crunch over time. For best taste, add fresh crispy bacon just before eating.

Ingredient Substitutions

Rotini pasta can be swapped with other pasta shapes like shells or bowties for a different texture. Mayonnaise can be replaced with half Greek yogurt and half mayo for a lighter dressing version. Red wine vinegar works well, but apple cider vinegar can be used if you prefer a milder tang. Try turkey bacon instead of pork for a leaner alternative though it will be less rich.

Pin it

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy bacon broccoli pasta salad as a hearty side to grilled chicken or burgers. It also works well as a standalone vegetarian meal if you omit the bacon and add nuts or seeds for crunch. For extra color and flavor, toss in halved red grapes or chopped pecans just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare the dish ahead of time?

Yes, preparing this salad a few hours in advance helps the flavors meld together better. Just keep the bacon separate until right before serving to maintain its crunch.

→ What pasta works best for this dish?

Short, sturdy shapes like rotini or fusilli hold the creamy dressing well and complement the broccoli's texture.

→ Can I substitute the vinegar?

Red wine vinegar provides a balanced tang, but apple cider vinegar can be used as a milder alternative if preferred.

→ How do I keep the bacon crispy?

Add cooked and crumbled bacon just before serving. This prevents it from softening and losing texture.

→ Are there recommended add-ins for variety?

Halved red grapes or chopped pecans enhance texture and add a subtle sweetness, complementing the creamy dressing.