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–+ servings
Broccoli Salad with Pasta

Broccoli Salad with Pasta

Broccoli salad with pecans, grapes, bowtie pasta, and bacon
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 537 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces bowtie pasta
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 6 slices bacon
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup rice wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped (about 1 pound of broccoli)
  • ⅓ cup red onion, chopped fine
  • 2 cups red seedless grapes, halved

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pecans in a nonstick skillet on medium heat until browned. Stir constantly. Remove them from the heat when they start browning because they will continue cooking while cooling. Set aside.
  • Heat and lightly salt water for the pasta. Cook according to the package directions. Then drain, rinse thoroughly with cold water, drain again, and set aside in a large bowl.
  • Place a paper towel on a microwaveable plate. Add the bacon strips in a row. Cover with another paper towel. Cook on high in the microwave for 4 minutes. Check to see the doneness. Cook in 30-second to 1-minute intervals until crispy. If necessary, rotate the inside pieces to the outside of the plate and remove the outer pieces as they finish cooking. Alternatively, cook the bacon on the stovetop. Chop the bacon into pieces after it cools.
  • Mix the dressing by adding the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, and salt to a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
  • Wash and drain the broccoli. Shake off excess water. Cut the florets from the stalks. Place on a cutting board and chop with a large knife.
  • Add the broccoli to the bowl with the pasta.
  • Chop the onions and add them to the pasta bowl.
  • Wash and drain the grapes. Cut them in half and add to the pasta bowl.
  • Add the pecans, bacon, dressing, and toss to coat.

Notes

Make it Ahead

You can make this salad a day ahead by leaving out the bacon and pecans until you are ready to serve it. Then, add them and toss the salad to mix.

Prep Ahead

Prepare the broccoli, onions, and grapes a day ahead and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. Mix the dressing and store it separately. 

Pecans

To save time, purchase pecans that are already chopped and toasted to add to the salad.

Cooking Bacon in the Microwave

When you cook bacon in the microwave, place each strip flat and side by side on a microwavable plate. Place a paper towel under the bacon and over the top to absorb grease.
If you cook 6 slices of bacon, each slide usually takes 1 minute on high heat, so the total cooking time would be 6 minutes. However, the time can vary if the bacon is thin or thicker. A bacon with a higher sugar content can overcook in the last few seconds. Always cook for less time and then check every 30 seconds to ensure it does not overcook until you determine the correct cooking time for your microwave and brand of bacon.

Nutrition

Calories: 537kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 9gFat: 38gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 17gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 596mgPotassium: 387mgFiber: 4gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 340IUVitamin C: 42mgCalcium: 46mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Broccoli Salad, Broccoli Salad with Grapes, Broccoli Salad with Pasta, Broccoli Salad with Pecans
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