Broccoli Cauliflower Pasta Salad

Want a side dish that’s creamy, crunchy, and always disappears fast? Broccoli Cauliflower Pasta Salad brings together fresh vegetables, tender pasta, crispy bacon, and cheese in a sweet and tangy dressing that’s packed with flavor.

This pasta salad is perfect for feeding a crowd and can easily be made ahead of time. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, picnic, or summer gathering, Broccoli Cauliflower Pasta Salad adds color, texture, and comfort to any table.

How to make Easy Broccoli Cauliflower Pasta

Makes approximately 8-12 servings

Equipment Needed

Measuring cups and spoons, cutting board, knife, large pot, colander, large bowl, large spoon

Ingredients

• 8 oz bowtie Pasta noodles
• 3 cups bite-sized broccoli florets 
• 3 cups bite-sized cauliflower florets
• ½ cup red onion, diced
• 2.5 oz bacon pieces
• ½ cup Mozzarella cheese 
• 1 ½ cups mayonnaise 
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar 
• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ tsp garlic powder 
• ¼ tsp pepper 

Step-by-Step Process

1. Chop the vegetables.

2. Add the noodles to a large pot of boiling water, and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain into a colander and rinse in cold water until chilled. 

3. While the noodles are cooking, mix together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and seasonings in a large bowl until well mixed.

4. Dump the cooled noodles into the bowl and toss well to coat.

5. Add the broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, bacon pieces, and mozzarella, then gently toss.

6. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving.

Helpful Tips for the Best Broccoli Cauliflower Pasta Salad

• Cook pasta just until al dente for Broccoli Cauliflower Pasta Salad: Keeps the texture perfect after chilling.
• Chop vegetables evenly: Helps Broccoli Cauliflower Pasta Salad stay balanced in every bite.
• Rinse pasta with cold water: Stops cooking and cools the Broccoli Cauliflower Pasta Salad quickly.
• Mix dressing thoroughly: Ensures every bite of Broccoli Cauliflower Pasta Salad is flavorful.
• Chill before serving: Gives the Broccoli Cauliflower Pasta Salad time to develop flavor.

Broccoli Cauliflower Pasta Salad

Print

Broccoli Cauliflower Pasta Salad is a creamy, crunchy side dish made with pasta, fresh vegetables, bacon, and a tangy homemade dressing.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Down Time 2 hours

Total Time 2 hours 27 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz bowtie Pasta noodles
• 3 cups bite size broccoli florets
• 3 cups bite size cauliflower florets
• ½ cup red onion, diced
• 2.5 oz bacon pieces
• ½ cup Mozzarella cheese
• 1 ½ cups mayonnaise
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp pepper

Instructions

1. Chop the vegetables.
2. Add the noodles to a large pot of boiling water, and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain into a colander and rinse in cold water until chilled. 
3. While the noodles are cooking, mix together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and seasonings in a large bowl until well mixed.
4. Dump the cooled noodles into the bowl and toss well to coat.
5. Add the broccoli, cauliflower, red onion, bacon pieces, and mozzarella, then gently toss.
6. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving.