4th of July Healthy Side – Crunchy Broccoli & Pasta Medley Recipe

Salads are perfect for people trying to eat healthy. They are crunchy, have many colors and flavors, and are fun to eat. If you love broccoli salad but want to give it a unique twist, try broccoli, grape, and pasta salad. It is one of the best salad recipes for the 4th of July and is filled with wonderful ingredients that are pleasing to the eye. To make it like a pro, follow these instructions:

4th of July Healthy Side – Crunchy Broccoli & Pasta Medley

This salad is colorful and mouthwatering

Image via: Table Feast

Ingredients

• 2 cups of red grapes without seeds (halved)
• 1 pound of broccoli
• ½ cup of package farfalle pasta (or 16-oz)
• 1/3 cup of chopped red onions
• 8  slices of cooked bacon (crumbled)
• 1 cup of mayonnaise
• 1 cup of diced pecans
• 1/3 cup of sugar
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/3 cup of vinegar (red wine vinegar)

Preparation

1)      Preheat your oven to 350ᵒ. Place the pecans in a shallow pan and bake them for five to seven minutes or until they are slightly brown and aromatic. Mix them halfway through to ensure they are evenly baked.

2)      Prepare your pasta as per the instructions on the package.

3)      Cut the broccoli florets from the stems and divide them into little pieces using the tip of a sharp knife. Peel the outer layer of the stems and chop them.

4)      Mix mayonnaise, sugar, salt, diced onions, and red wine vinegar together in a big bowl. Add the broccoli, grapes, and cooked pasta. Stir the mixture to ensure everything is coated then add the pecans and bacon prior to serving.

Add it to your fourth of July party

Image via: Foodiddy

Expert Tips

• If you don’t want to use sugar, substitute it with honey which is healthier and also very tasty.
• Replace the mayonnaise with a low-fat type if you are trying to lose weight.
• To get the perfect consistency, refrigerate the salad for 3 hours. This makes it change from slightly watery to thick.

Salads are perfect for those trying to lose weight, improve their nutrition, or adopt a healthier lifestyle. If you’ve been looking for salad recipes for the fourth of July, add this one to your list.

For more 4th of July recipes on Stagetecture, click here.