The BEST Broccoli Pasta Salad

Yum

Labor Day is coming up and a great holiday to celebrate with the last of summer food.  I'm going to be bringing you several posts with dishes to celebrate with.  First up is another great pasta salad.  

Everyone needs an easy yet scrumptious side dish and this is absolutely The BEST Broccoli Pasta Salad I've ever had.  It was adapted slightly from a recipe I found on Pinterest from Tiffany's blog Pics and Pastries.  To me this pasta salad screams summer!

THE BEST BROCCOLI PASTA SALAD

Imagine a pasta salad that includes fresh crunchy broccoli, sweet & tart cherries, and doused in a creamy 3 cheese ranch dressing.  Oh yum!  The combination of sweet/tart (cherries) and spicy/savory (bell peppers) just work wonders with the crunch of the broccoli.  The perfect way to use fresh summer vegetables.  I can truly say this is the best broccoli salad around!

So whether you are having a last summer bash for Labor Day, a summer picnic, concert in the park, or a potluck block party, make this dish!  Everyone will be raving it's praises and asking for the recipe.  The BEST Broccoli Pasta Salad is on the menu!

Enjoy!

Note:  Shared with The Country Cook's Weekend Potluck

The BEST Broccoli Pasta Salad

serves 6

6 oz bow-tie pasta
1/2 - 1 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 - 1 orange bell pepper, diced
1 head broccoli

1/3 cup dried cherries
3/4 cup Three Cheese Ranch dressing (such as Kroger or Kraft brand)

Kosher salt &  fresh ground pepper to taste

In a large pot of boiling water cook pasta according to box directions.  During the last 4 minutes of cooking add the broccoli head to blanch.  Broccoli should turn bright green.  Remove broccoli and drain pasta.  Allow pasta to cool.

Chop broccoli into florets.  Add to medium bowl.  Add diced bell peppers to the bowl along with the cherries. Add cooled pasta and toss to combine.  Add dressing and toss to coat.  Refrigerate 1 hour.  Serve cold or room temperature.  May add extra dressing if needed.