When I made this Broccoli Bacon Pasta Salad for my niece’s wedding shower, I wasn’t entirely sure how it would turn out. That’s because I accidentally used the pouring side of the black pepper container instead of the shaker side. Oops!

Between the unexpected abundance of pepper and my last-minute decision to add dried cranberries, I had some doubts about how all those flavors would come together. As it turned out, those little surprises made one delicious broccoli bacon pasta salad.

The combination of tender cheese tortellini, fresh broccoli, smoky bacon, red onions, and sweet dried cranberries turned out to be wonderful. Toss everything with a light, creamy homemade dressing, and you’ve got a delicious balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with just the right amount of crunch.

What I especially love about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare. You can get most of the ingredients ready while the tortellini and bacon cook, then toss everything together and let the refrigerator do the rest. And the flavors only get better after the salad has had time to chill.

It’s an excellent make ahead side dish for family dinners, potlucks, wedding showers, and backyard barbecues. And there’s no reason to save it for a special occasion. It’s just as delicious any day of the week.

Give it a try!

Why You’ll LOVE This Broccoli Bacon Pasta Salad

Sweet, tangy, and savory. The creamy homemade dressing balances smoky bacon, cheese tortellini, and sweet dried cranberries.
Delicious combination of textures. Tender pasta, crisp broccoli, and crunchy red onions make every bite interesting.
Easy to prepare. Simple ingredients and minimal preparation make this an excellent choice for busy days.
Perfect for making ahead. The flavors become even more delicious after a few hours in the refrigerator.
Great for entertaining. This hearty pasta salad is ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, summer cookouts, and holiday meals.

What You’ll Need

Cheese tortellini – Tender, cheese-filled pasta gives the salad a hearty base. Fresh or refrigerated tortellini works beautifully.
Bacon – Adds smoky, savory flavor and a little crunch. While I prefer freshly cooked bacon, real bacon bits are a convenient alternative.
Fresh broccoli – Provides color, texture, and a refreshing crunch. Cut the florets into small, bite-sized pieces so they’re easy to mix with the pasta.
Red onion – Adds a mild, slightly sharp flavor that complements the creamy dressing.
Dried cranberries – Bring a touch of sweetness and tartness that balances the savory bacon and cheese.
Mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, sugar, and lemon juice – Combine to make a creamy dressing with just the right balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
Salt and black pepper – The pepper adds a little extra bite to the sweetness in the dressing.

Recipe Tips

Don’t overcook the tortellini. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, just until tender. Overcooked tortellini can become too soft and break apart when tossed with the other ingredients. Drain and rinse briefly with cool water before adding it to the salad.

Cut the broccoli into small pieces. Bite-sized broccoli florets make the salad easier to eat and help distribute the ingredients evenly. I prefer using fresh, uncooked broccoli for its crisp texture.

Cook the bacon until crisp. Crispy bacon adds a wonderful contrast to the tender pasta and creamy dressing. Let it drain on paper towels before chopping it into small pieces.

Try oven-cooked bacon. If you prefer not to use the stovetop, arrange the bacon on a foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet and bake at 375°F for approximately 15–18 minutes, or until browned and crisp. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the bacon.

Save time with bacon bits. When you’re in a hurry, substitute approximately 1 cup of real bacon bits for the freshly cooked bacon. I prefer hickory-smoked bacon bits for their flavor.

Choose your favorite mayonnaise. I like the rich, tangy flavor of Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise in this dressing. If you prefer something sweeter and zestier, Miracle Whip is another option, although you may want to reduce the added sugar.

Try a few substitutions. Whole wheat cheese tortellini or turkey bacon can be used in place of the original ingredients. Both work nicely without dramatically changing the overall flavor.

Give the salad time to chill. This is one of those dishes that tastes even better after the flavors have had time to blend. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving, or prepare it the day before.

How to Serve Broccoli Bacon Pasta Salad

This hearty pasta salad is a wonderful side dish for just about any occasion. It’s especially convenient for entertaining because you can prepare it ahead of time and keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.
It’s also delicious alongside hamburgers, sandwiches, or other casual family meals.
For a backyard barbecue, I love pairing it with Dry Rubbed Barbecue Country Style Pork Ribs, Slow Cooked Barbecue Pulled Pork, or grilled chicken.
For a complete cookout menu, serve it with Smoky Southern Baked Beans with Bacon and your favorite grilled meats. The creamy, tangy dressing provides a nice contrast to smoky barbecue flavors.
Don’t limit this salad to warm summer days. It’s just as enjoyable at holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a make-ahead side dish for busy weeknight dinners.

Food and Drink Pairing Recommendations at Zigeze

Drink Pairings

The combination of smoky bacon, creamy dressing, and sweet dried cranberries makes this salad especially enjoyable with light, refreshing drinks. When serving this salad alongside grilled meats or barbecue, choose a drink that complements the main course as well.

Here are some of my favorites:

Stags' Leap Cabernet Sauvignon — Santa Margherita Valdadige Pinot Grigio

FAQs

Absolutely! In fact, I recommend it. Preparing the salad a few hours ahead allows the flavors to blend and the dressing to coat the ingredients thoroughly. You can also prepare it the day before serving. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and gently toss before serving.

I don’t recommend it. Fresh broccoli is my preference because it provides the crisp texture that makes this salad so enjoyable. Thawed frozen broccoli tends to be softer and can release additional moisture into the dressing.

Yes! Cheese tortellini gives this salad a rich, hearty texture. Other pasta shapes can work, too. Rotini, bow ties, or small shells are good alternatives. Keep in mind that replacing cheese tortellini with plain pasta will change the flavor and texture of the finished salad.

Yes. Miracle Whip has a sweeter, tangier flavor than traditional mayonnaise, so you may want to reduce the sugar in the dressing. I prefer Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise because it provides a creamy base without overpowering the other ingredients.

Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The broccoli will gradually soften, and the pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time. If the salad develops an unpleasant odor, unusual texture, or other signs of spoilage, discard it.

I don’t recommend freezing this salad. Mayonnaise-based dressings can separate after thawing, and the broccoli and tortellini may lose their texture. It’s best enjoyed freshly prepared or refrigerated for a few days.

Yes. You can omit the bacon if you prefer, although the smoky, savory flavor is an important part of the original recipe. For a different variation, try turkey bacon or a suitable plant-based bacon alternative.

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Broccoli Bacon Pasta Salad

Recipe byAnnette (•‿•)

This Broccoli Bacon Pasta Salad combines tender cheese tortellini, fresh broccoli, smoky bacon, red onion, and sweet dried cranberries with a creamy homemade dressing. It's a delicious make-ahead side dish for potlucks, family dinners, and backyard barbecues.

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Prep Time:10

Cook Time:15

Chill Time:1

Total Time:1 25

Course: Lunch, Salads, Sides

Cuisine: American, Italian

Servings:

Calories: 449cal

Ingredients

Pasta Salad

1 pound cheese tortellini
8 – 10 slices bacon
2 heads fresh broccoli cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces
1 medium red onion chopped
⅔ cup dried cranberries

Dressing

¼ cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 cup mayonnaise
1½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

Whisk all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl until creamy. Set aside.
Cook the tortellini according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cool water, and set aside.
While the tortellini is cooking, place the bacon slices in a large, deep skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally. Cook for about 10 minutes or until evenly browned.
Transfer cooked bacon to a plate covered in paper towel to drain. Chop bacon into half-inch pieces while still a little warm.
Place chopped bacon in a large mixing bowl. Add the broccoli, cooked tortellini, onions, and dried cranberries. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to distribute the dressing throughout.
Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge to blend flavors and cool.
Gently re-toss the salad when ready to eat.