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Savory Broccoli Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

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A quick and easy pasta salad combining crunchy broccoli, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, toasted sunflower seeds, and creamy ranch dressing, perfect for summer BBQs and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 g) rotini or corkscrew pasta
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (bite-sized)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup roasted, unsalted sunflower seeds, toasted lightly
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) creamy ranch dressing
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, bring a smaller pot of water to a boil. Add 3 cups fresh broccoli florets and blanch for 1-2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Immediately transfer broccoli to an ice bath or rinse under cold water to cool. Drain well.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook 6 slices thick-cut bacon until crisp, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain and cool. Once cool, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  4. In the same skillet (wipe excess bacon fat if needed), toast ½ cup unsalted sunflower seeds over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup ranch dressing, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well.
  6. Add cooled pasta, blanched broccoli, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, and toasted sunflower seeds to the bowl with dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons fresh parsley over the top for color and freshness. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

Do not overcook broccoli; blanch for 1-2 minutes to keep crispness and vibrant color. Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Toast sunflower seeds fresh for best flavor and crunch. Use sharp cheddar for balanced flavor. Toss gently to keep broccoli and cheese intact. For best results, chill salad at least 30 minutes before serving. Add fresh toasted sunflower seeds just before serving to maintain crunch if stored.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli bacon ranch pasta salad, summer pasta salad, BBQ pasta salad, savory pasta salad, broccoli pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, ranch dressing pasta salad

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/savory-broccoli-bacon-ranch-pasta-salad-recipe-perfect-for-summer-bbqs/