Fresh Broccoli Pasta Salad

We all know about fresh broccoli salad, right? Crisp, crunchy broccoli dressed in a sweet and creamy dressing topped with bacon, etc. It sounds downright terrible if you really think about it, but it's completely opposite. It's perfect. Every time.

This is one of those dishes I know I have tried in the past at various family get togethers and know that I love it, but I've never got around to making it myself. Then one day I needed to make a quick side dish for a dinner at our neighbor's and could only use what we had around the house. Enter my variation on this classic salad.

Since we are a no-nut family, I nixed the usual nuts, kept the bacon, used craisins instead of raisins and added some feta. Because well, feta makes everything better. I also added two cups of pasta to give it some girth and I loved the addition! Long story short, this is a new favorite and I will most likely be bringing it to future get togethers. You're welcome. ;)

Fresh Broccoli Pasta Salad

Adapted from All Recipes

2 heads fresh broccoli

2 cups bowtie pasta, cooked

6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

3/4 cup craisins

1/4-1/2 cup crumbled feta

Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup honey

1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar

1. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine with pasta, bacon, craisins and feta.

2. To prepare the dressing, mix the mayonnaise, honey and vinegar together until smooth. Stir into the salad until toppings are completely coated with dressing. Let chill in fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.