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Sunny Broccoli Pasta Salad

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By Pillsbury Kitchens
Updated Aug 31, 2023
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It’s no secret why this pretty salad is so popular: It’s the perfect combination of creamy, sweet and bacon-y. Plus it’s full of crunchy texture—so satisfying! And you know what makes it even more delicious and hearty? Bouncy radiatore pasta.

What’s in Sunny Broccoli Pasta Salad?

In the classic version of the salad, it’s made with broccoli florets, bacon, raisins and sunflower seeds. The dressing is a creamy affair made with mayonnaise, vinegar, red onions and sugar. That said, you’ll find many, many versions out there.

For our version, we stay pretty true to the original, but we throw in some cauliflower for extra crunch, some yellow raisins for sweet-tart flavor and of course the radiatore pasta. We love this pasta shape in a summer salad because its ruffled spirals catch and hold the vinaigrette, so every bite of salad is delicious.

What should I serve with Sunny Broccoli Salad?

Between the veggies, the pasta and sunflower seeds, Sunny Broccoli Salad is almost a complete meal. We’d recommend serving it with your favorite grillable protein—chicken, salmon or even sausages.

Whatever you choose, this pasta salad recipe will be perfect for all the grilling holidays from the Fourth of July to Labor Day. Both broccoli and cauliflower are nice sturdy veggies that travel well, so you can bring it to a gathering, and it will stay fresh and appetizing.

Sunny Broccoli Salad is such a family favorite, we’d pull it out for everyday weeknight grilling too. Bonus: If you have leftovers, it makes an amazing lunch.

Sunny Broccoli Pasta Salad

  • Prep Time 30 min
  • Total 60 min
  • Ingredients 12
  • Servings 8
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Ingredients

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup light mayonnaise or spreadable salad dressing
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Salad

  • 1 1/2 cups uncooked radiatore (nuggets) pasta (5 oz)
  • 8 slices bacon, crispy cooked and crumbled
  • 2 cups small broccoli florets
  • 1 cup small cauliflower florets
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup golden raisins
  • 3 tablespoons shelled sunflower seeds

Instructions

  • Step 
    1
    In small bowl, combine all dressing ingredients; blend with wire whisk until smooth. Refrigerate while cooking pasta.
  • Step 
    2
    Cook pasta to desired doneness as directed on package.
  • Step 
    3
    Drain; rinse with cold water to cool. Drain well.
  • Step 
    4
    In large bowl, combine cooked pasta and all remaining salad ingredients.
  • Step 
    5
    Pour dressing over salad; toss gently to coat.
  • Step 
    6
    Cover; refrigerate at least 30 minutes to blend flavors.

Nutrition

210 Calories
11g Total Fat
6g Protein
22g Total Carbohydrate
6g Sugars

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 3/4 Cup
Calories
210
Calories from Fat
100
Total Fat
11g
17%
Saturated Fat
2g
10%
Cholesterol
10mg
3%
Sodium
390mg
16%
Total Carbohydrate
22g
7%
Dietary Fiber
2g
8%
Sugars
6g
Protein
6g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A
15%
15%
Vitamin C
45%
45%
Calcium
4%
4%
Iron
8%
8%
Exchanges:
1 1/2 Starch; 2 Fat;
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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