By Michele 
Whether you’re gearing up for a potluck or planning a delightful picnic, pasta salads are the ultimate solution, providing simplicity and convenience. A quintessential pasta salad is a must-have for Southern hosts, fitting seamlessly into brunches, ladies luncheons, or light summer suppers. Elevate your salad repertoire this season with a vibrant twist – the broccoli-and-grape salad.
For aficionados of broccoli salads, this rendition is bound to captivate your taste buds. Fresh broccoli and chopped pecans contribute a delightful crunch to the creamy, farfalle-based pasta salad, while the addition of grapes imparts a subtle touch of sweetness. And what better way to conclude this symphony of flavors than with a sprinkle of crumbled bacon slices?
A dressing that balances sweet and tangy notes allows each ingredient to shine. Serve this broccoli pasta salad as a refreshing side during spring or summer, alongside your favorite grilled chicken dish. Alternatively, double the batch and share the goodness at potlucks or church gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 pound fresh broccoli
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup diced red onion
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces bow-tie pasta, cooked (½ of a 16-oz. package)
- 2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
- 8 cooked bacon slices, crumbled
Directions:
1. Toast Pecans:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Toast pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan for 5 to 7 minutes, or until lightly toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through.
2. Cook Pasta:
Prepare the pasta according to package directions.
3. Prep Broccoli:
While the pasta is cooking, cut broccoli florets from stems, separating them into small pieces with the tip of a paring knife. Peel away the tough outer layer of stems and finely chop them.
4. Make Dressing:
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and the next 4 ingredients.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Add broccoli, hot cooked pasta, and grapes to the bowl, stirring to coat.
6. Chill Pasta Salad:
Cover and chill for 3 hours. Just before serving, stir in bacon and pecans.
Enjoy this delightful broccoli and grape pasta salad that effortlessly combines flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.