#header-inner {background-position: center !important; width: 100% !important;}

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Broccoli, Grape, and Pasta Salad

Broccoli, Grape, and Pasta Salad
Broccoli, Grape, and Pasta Salad
One month ago today Brecken was baptized at our church. It was an incredibly special day, and we celebrated the event with a luncheon at our house after the service. The menu included a variety of our favorite dishes, including Ryan’s smokedpork, his dad’s famous brisket, this salad, and several other things, but the highlight of the day for many was this pasta salad.
Pin ItBroccoli, Grape, and Pasta Salad

Some people, like my sister-in-law Erin, went so far as to say that it was the best pasta salad she’d ever had in her life! Considering how many pasta salads she’s likely tasted at church potlucks and picnics in the park, I believe this to be quite the compliment. If you like broccoli salad, you’ll love this, which is very similar but with the addition of farfalle pasta. Like most pasta salads, this is easily made ahead of time…just be sure to wait and add the bacon and pecans just before serving to ensure maximum crunch!
Broccoli, Grape, and Pasta Salad
One Year Ago: Banana Cream Pie and Spiced Lentil, Sweet Potato, and Kale Pockets
Two Years Ago: Tiramisu Ice Cream and Favorite Spring Dishes
Three Years Ago: Stacked Roasted Vegetable Enchiladas and White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
Four Years Ago: Make Ahead Lasagna and Breakfast Bulgur

Broccoli, Grape, and Pasta Salad
adapted slightly from Southern Living September 2011

Ingredients:
-1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
-8 oz farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
-1 lb fresh broccoli
-1/2 cup mayonnaise
-1/2 cup Greek yogurt (original recipe used all mayo)
-1/3 cup sugar
-1/4 cup diced red onion
-1/3 cup red wine vinegar
-1 tsp salt
-2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
-8 cooked bacon slices, crumbled

Directions:
1. Prepare pasta according to package instructions. Meanwhile, chop broccoli into small pieces, discarding large stems.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, sugar, red onion, red wine vinegar, and salt. Add hot cooked pasta, grapes, and broccoli, and stir to coat. Cover and chill for at least 3 hours, or overnight.
3. Just before serving, add bacon and pecans.