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Bacon Blue Cheese Pasta Salad: A Flavor-Packed Side Dish for Any Occasion

Bacon Blue Cheese Pasta Salad
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This Bacon Blue Cheese Pasta Salad is packed with bold flavors—creamy blue cheese, crispy bacon, fresh broccoli, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick side dish, this salad is both hearty and refreshing.

Ingredients

Scale
    • 1 lb dried pasta (rotini, fusilli, or bow ties)
    • 2 cups small broccoli florets
    • 4 green onions, thinly sliced
    • 12 oz bacon, cooked & chopped
    • 10 oz blue cheese, crumbled

    Dressing:

    • ¾ cup mayonnaise
    • ¾ cup ranch or blue cheese dressing
    • 1 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
    • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
  • Cook bacon until crispy, then drain and chop. Set aside.
  • Chop broccoli into small florets and slice green onions.
  • In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ranch dressing, salt, and pepper.

2. Cook Pasta & Broccoli:

  • Boil pasta according to package instructions.
  • In the last 1 minute, add broccoli to blanch.
  • Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

3. Assemble the Salad:

  • In a large bowl, combine pasta, broccoli, bacon, green onions, and dressing.
  • Gently fold in most of the blue cheese, reserving some for garnish.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

4. Serve & Store:

  • Garnish with reserved bacon, green onions, and blue cheese.
  • Serve immediately or chill for 1-2 hours for best flavor.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Notes

  • Use good-quality blue cheese for the best flavor.
  • Rinse the pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
  • Adjust salt carefully—bacon and blue cheese are already salty.
  • For extra crunch, add toasted walnuts or pecans.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipes.gernarb.com/bacon-blue-cheese-pasta-salad-a-flavor-packed-side-dish-for-any-occasion/