Colorful, crunchy, and undeniably delicious, Bow Tie Broccoli Salad is a crowd-pleasing side dish thatβs perfect for potlucks, picnics, or weeknight dinners. This recipe combines tender, al dente bow tie pasta with vibrant blanched broccoli, smoky crumbled bacon, and the sharp tang of shredded cheddar cheese. Tossed in a creamy homemade dressing made with mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and a hint of sweetness from apple cider vinegar and sugar, this salad strikes the ideal balance of flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes (plus a quick chill to meld flavors), this make-ahead dish is as easy to prepare as it is to enjoy. Serve it chilled for a refreshing addition to any meal!
Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
While the pasta is cooking, blanch the broccoli. Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil, add the broccoli florets, and cook for 1-2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled bow tie pasta, blanched broccoli, finely chopped red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon.
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Calories |
2859 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 169.6 g | 217% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.8 g | 184% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 300 mg | 100% | |
| Sodium | 2476 mg | 108% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 265.6 g | 97% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 17.8 g | 64% | |
| Total Sugars | 43.1 g | ||
| Protein | 78.0 g | 156% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 1134 mg | 87% | |
| Iron | 7.4 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 700 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.