Last Updated 08-05-2024
BROCCOLI BOWTIE PASTA SALAD — Farfalle pasta is tossed in a sweet and tangy mayonnaise dressing with broccoli, grapes, bacon and chopped pecans in this unique and tasty salad.
Chances are, you’ve come across a version of this Broccoli Bowtie Pasta Salad on Pinterest. There’s a good reason for that–it’s absolutely amazing!
If you’re thinking pasta, broccoli and grapes sound like a weird combination, you’re going to have to trust me on this one and give it a try. You won’t be sorry!
Did I mention there are crunchy pecans and crispy bacon in there too? Everything comes together in a sweet and tangy mayonnaise based dressing for a salad that is going to knock your socks off!
In fact, this salad will probably become your go-to dish for potlucks and neighborhood barbecues. And everyone will ask you for the recipe.
Like I said, there’s a reason this recipe is all over the world wide web.
You can put this salad together a day head of time. You’ll just want to hold off on adding the bacon and pecans until serving. Nobody likes soggy bacon!
It really doesn’t matter what color of grapes you use. They both taste great in this salad. I usually go for red grapes to add more color, since the broccoli is already green.
But that’s purely for aesthetics–the color of grapes won’t change the taste of the salad at all. And if you have time, I highly recommend toasting your pecans for added nutty flavor.
One thing is for sure, all of the amazing colors, flavors and textures in this salad come together to create something out-of-this-world delicious. This is one recipe I never get tired of making or eating.
This Broccoli Bowtie Pasta Salad is a hit wherever I take it. And in the summertime, when it’s too hot to cook, it even makes a great main dish with a side of crusty bread. Enjoy!
Be sure to save this Broccoli Bowtie Pasta Salad recipe to your favorite Pinterest board for later.
Here’s what you’ll need to make Broccoli Bowtie Pasta Salad
- Bowtie pasta
- Mayonnaise
- Sugar
- Produce: red onion, broccoli, grapes
- Red wine vinegar
- Salt
- Pecans
- Bacon
Broccoli Bowtie Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces farfalle bow-tie pasta
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups fresh broccoli floretes chopped small
- 2 cups seedless red grapes halved
- 1 cup chopped pecans toasted
- 6 cooked bacon slices crumbled
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions. Rinse with cold water and drain.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, red onion, vinegar and salt in a large bowl.
- Add broccoli, pasta, and grapes, and stir to coat. Cover and chill 3 hours. Stir bacon and pecans into salad just before serving.
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Who Dished It Up First: Adapted from My Recipes
Julia D Sewell
A lot of years ago I stopped at a deli on my way home from work. If I was early enough there was still some Bowtie Pasta Salad to take home for dinner. The ingredients were pasta, broccoli florets, tomatoes – maybe cherry tomatoes cut in half, and pecan halves. The dressing was essentially clear except for the seasonings, no mayonnaise, for example.
I’m trying to find that dressing, the ingredients. This little shop was in Westport (the Plaza is nearby) in mid-town Kansas City Missouri — I say that location hoping it might spark a memory in someone else.
Carla
What would be the best mayonnaise to use for this salad? Like what brand? creamy or not creamy?
Carissa Nelson | Spoonful of Easy
So I didn’t know that I wanted the combo of broccoli and grapes until I saw them together here. I could totally see how that would work and it looks amazing!
Danelle
It’s surprisingly delicious! Thank you!