My go-to side for barbecues and summer get-togethers is pasta salad. Basically, I bring it because its noodles with a few random ingredients in it to take away from the fact that you’re eating cold carbs. I’m totally fine with eating carbs no matter their temperature. Broccoli & Cheese Pasta Salad is delicious. Since it’s a salad, that means it’s healthy right? I mean, it has BROCCOLI in it, and that’s the ultimate signal that it’s healthy.

While we were on vacation, I found a package of the cutest spiral pasta at a grocery store. It reminds me of the ringlets in Shirley Temple’s hair. That doesn’t making it appetizing, but it does make it cute! We got the pasta and I knew I wanted to make a pasta salad out of it! Broccoli & Cheese Pasta Salad is not only delcious, but it’s super easy to throw together!

Broccoli & Cheese Pasta Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

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Ingredients

• 1 12 oz package of rotini pasta
• 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2/3 cup broccoli crowns, finely cut
• 1 radish, diced
• 1 dry packet ranch dressing
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup real bacon pieces (optional)

Instructions

1. Boil your pasta, as directed.
2. Once your pasta is cooked, rinse it under cool water until it’s cold. Empty it to a large bowl.
3. In a small bowl, combine the ranch packet and the mayo and mix until well combined.
4. Chop the broccoli into to tiny pieces, crowns only, and add it to the pasta.
5. Dice the radish and add it to the pasta as well.
6. Add the cheese to the pasta, along with the bacon if included.
7. Add in the ranch mixture to the bowl of ingredients, and mix with a silicone spatula to combine.
8. Cover and chill for at least an hour before serving.
9. Serve chilled.

If you want some other summer food ideas, check out these recipes:

Patriotic Fruit Salad

Bert’s Famous Salsa