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Broccoli, Grape and Pasta Salad

Pasta, veggies and fruit and bacon all in one delicious salad!

Course Dinner, lunch, Salad, side
Cuisine American
Keyword dressing, Fresh fruit, pasta salad, vegetables
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
assembly and dressing 12 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 12

Ingredients

Pasta and seasoning for pasta:

  • 1- 1 lb package pasta, any shape
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash seasoning* optional, see recipe notes
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 5 cups fresh broccoli blanched if desired
  • 3 cups seedless red grapes
  • 1 12-16 oz package bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 3/4 cup pumpkin or sunflower seeds

dressing:

  • 1 cup regular or light mayonnaise I like Best Foods or Hellman's
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1/3 cup white balsamic, red wine vinegar or cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon each: sea salt and fresh ground pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse with cold water, drain well and place in a large bowl. Toss the pasta with Mrs. Dash seasoning and fresh lemon juice. Set aside.

  2. While pasta is cooking, whisk together mayonnaise and next 4 ingredients in a bowl. Set aside in fridge until ready to use.

  3. Cut broccoli into bite size pieces. Wash grapes and cut in half or leave whole. Reserve some of the grapes, broccoli, bacon and seeds for topping the salad.

  4. Toss the pasta, broccoli, grapes, bacon, pumpkin or sunflower seeds together. Add about 3/4 of the dressing and toss again. If serving more than 2 hours later, add the bacon and seeds just before serving.

  5. When ready to serve, add remaining dressing and bacon and toss. Sprinkle with pumpkin or sunflower seeds just before serving.

Recipe Notes

  • I think this salad is best when made and served on the same day. It is best to let it sit in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving. 
  • Mrs. Dash is found in the spice section of the grocery. It is a blend of herbs and spices and gives this salad an extra punch of flavors. It can be left out, but the salad is so much better with it added!
  • It is not necessary to reserve toppings for the salad, but makes a nicer presentation!
  • Make this salad into a main dish by adding 1 rotisserie chicken or chicken breast halves, cooked and chopped.