Summer Delight Bacon-Pasta Broccoli Salad
Experience the perfect harmony of flavors with this vibrant summer salad that combines the freshness of broccoli and sweet grapes with the savory crunch of crispy bacon. Inspired by a delightful Southern Living recipe, this dish offers a unique blend of textures and tastes, making it an ideal choice for picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings. The colorful ingredients, including nutty pecans and al dente farfalle pasta, create a visually appealing meal that kids will love. You can customize its sweetness to suit your taste, and with the addition of hidden boiled eggs, it’s a secret powerhouse of protein that your little ones won’t even notice! Whether enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, this salad is sure to delight every palate and earn rave reviews from friends and family alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pecans
1 cup (chopped)
Farfalle pasta
8 ounces (bow-tie pasta)
Broccoli
1 lb (fresh, chopped into florets)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (none)
Sugar
1/3 cup (none)
Red onion
1/3 cup (diced)
Red wine vinegar
1/3 cup (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Red seedless grapes
2 cups (halved)
Bacon
8 slices (cooked and crumbled)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the chopped pecans evenly in a shallow baking pan and bake for 5 to 7 minutes or until they are lightly toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through to ensure even roasting.
2
2. Cook the farfalle pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
3. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the broccoli by cutting the florets from the stems, and using a paring knife to separate the florets into small, bite-sized pieces. Remove the tough outer layer from the stems, then finely chop them.
4
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, red onion, red wine vinegar, and salt until smooth and well combined.
5
5. Add the cooked pasta, chopped broccoli, and halved grapes to the bowl. Gently stir to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
6
6. If desired, mince boiled egg whites and blend the yolks into the mayonnaise mixture for added protein. Mix well.
7
7. Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for about 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld. However, if time is short, feel free to serve it at room temperature.
8
8. Just before serving, fold in the crumbled bacon and toasted pecans for an extra crunch and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Summer Delight Bacon-Pasta Broccoli Salad?
It is a vibrant summer salad that combines farfalle pasta, fresh broccoli, sweet grapes, and crispy bacon in a creamy, sweet and savory dressing.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of farfalle pasta, which is also known as bow-tie pasta.
How do I prepare the pecans?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake chopped pecans in a shallow pan for 5 to 7 minutes until they are lightly toasted and fragrant.
Can I use the broccoli stems in this salad?
Yes, you should remove the tough outer layer from the stems and then finely chop them to include in the salad.
What are the ingredients for the salad dressing?
The dressing is made by whisking together 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1/3 cup of sugar, 1/3 cup of diced red onion, 1/3 cup of red wine vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
It is recommended to cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for about 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
When should I add the bacon and pecans?
To keep them crunchy, fold in the crumbled bacon and toasted pecans just before serving.
Can I serve this salad at room temperature?
Yes, if you are short on time, you can serve the salad at room temperature instead of chilling it.
How can I add extra protein to this broccoli salad?
You can add hidden protein by mincing boiled egg whites and blending the yolks into the mayonnaise dressing mixture.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, with its colorful ingredients, pasta, and sweet dressing, it is designed to be a dish that children will enjoy.
What kind of grapes should I use?
The recipe specifies 2 cups of red seedless grapes, halved.
How much bacon is needed?
You will need 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the salad?
Yes, you can customize the amount of sugar in the dressing to suit your personal taste preferences.
How do I prepare the broccoli florets?
Cut the florets from the stems and use a paring knife to separate them into small, bite-sized pieces.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by a delightful Southern Living recipe.
Should the pasta be cooked all the way through?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente, following the package directions.
How many pecans do I need?
The recipe requires 1 cup of chopped pecans.
What kind of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The dressing uses 1/3 cup of red wine vinegar.
Do I need to stir the pecans while toasting?
Yes, you should stir the pecans halfway through the roasting process to ensure they toast evenly.
What type of onion is used?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of diced red onion.
Is this salad suitable for barbecues?
Yes, it is an ideal choice for picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings.
How much mayonnaise is used?
The dressing requires 1 cup of mayonnaise.
Can I use green grapes instead of red?
While red grapes are suggested for their color and sweetness, green grapes can be used as a substitute.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of salt.
What makes this salad visually appealing?
The combination of green broccoli, red grapes, and bow-tie pasta creates a colorful and attractive meal.
How do I ensure the dressing is smooth?
Whisk the mayonnaise, sugar, onion, vinegar, and salt together in a large bowl until the mixture is well combined.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the base and chill it for 3 hours, just remember to add the bacon and pecans at the very end.
How many cups of grapes are used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of red seedless grapes.
What tools are needed for the broccoli?
A paring knife is recommended for separating the florets into bite-sized pieces.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While farfalle is recommended, you can use other short pasta shapes like rotini or penne if needed.