This copycat version of Walmart's Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad tastes just like the original! This broccoli salad will quickly become a family favorite to make time and time again.
I've mentioned before that I used to work in the deli department of my local Walmart. One of my favorite salads at Walmart is Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad. It didn't occur to me to try to make it at home until recently! I'm not sure why, I started making a version of a Mozzarella, Tomato, and Artichoke Salad they used to carry years ago! I guess time passing made me forget about it.
I left there 4 years ago when I had my daughter. I finally decided to come up with my own version of the Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad to serve at her birthday party last Saturday. What I came up with tastes EXACTLY like the store-bought! With rotini pasta, fresh broccoli and cheese, diced red onion, and a sweet mayonnaise dressing, this is perfect for summertime cookouts, family get together's, or anytime.
I am updating this post exactly three years and five months to the day that I published it. Since that time, and until just recently, it was my most viewed recipe every single day. It has more than twice the amount of views then any other recipe I've ever shared, and yet it never did well on Pinterest because the photo was so small.
I think it's simply the fact that it's a favorite broccoli salad recipe, pasta salad recipe, and copycat recipes out there that makes it so popular.
I've really learned a lot about photography in the last three years! I still don't consider myself a photographer, it will always be more that I love to cook and share recipes. I made it several times since, for cookouts and other events, but I could never remember to take better photos, or improve on the writing, until I made it this past Saturday for my "niece's" 20th birthday party.
Here is the old photo:
Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad
You can whip up this salad in just a few minutes. It does need to stay cold since it contains mayonnaise, so put it on a bowl of ice or refrigerate it after two hours.
More pasta salad recipes for you to try:
Bacon Ranch Green Onion Pasta Salad
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Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad (Walmart Copycat Recipe)
Ingredients
- 12 ounces tri-colored veggie rotini pasta (1 box)
- 1 medium head broccoli chopped into small florets
- 1 medium red onion diced fine
- 2 cups mild cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions, with a few drops of olive oil and dashes of salt in the water to keep the pasta from sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool and set aside in a large bowl.
- Wash the broccoli well and chop into small florets. Chop the onion fine, and mix the broccoli and onions with the pasta. Add the cheddar cheese to the pasta mixture, mix well.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar well. Pour the mixture over the top of the pasta, broccoli and onions, and stir to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition
Anna says
This is a copycat recipe that 100% nails it.That being said, I use a full 16 oz box of rotini, (absorbs all that mayo better), & trade 1 tablespoon regular vinegar in place of the 3 tablespoons of apple cider. You can also cut back on the sugar & use fat free shredded cheddar to make it healthier & not lose a bit of flavor!
Sonia says
I just made this and it is delicious! Will definitely make again.
Steven says
The only thing I changed is using coleslaw dressing instead of mayonnaise , vinegar and sugar. That is actually what was used at Walmart. This salad was my favorite for years until the stopped selling it. Now I make my own. Enjoy!
Sarah says
This is one of all time favorite internet recipes… I bring to almost every party and bbq. My sister has started to bring this dish to almost party or bbq that she goes to… it is always a hit. I do half the red onion that this recipe calls for due to my husband’s dietary restrictions. There is no going back to any other pasta salad recipe.
Sherry gilbert says
Absolutely love this salad. Very very favorite salad
Chancelund says
Wow, just wow! I was looking for something different and decided to give this a try. Everyone loves it. I just found a new favorite. Only substitutions I made were to use elbow macaroni, (didn't have any tri-colored pasta), and I used a Vidalia onion.
Layla says
Just made this wonderful salad today. I can’t thank you enough for sharing this awesome recipe with us.
Kanesha says
Do you use real Mayo or miracle whip? I don’t like the taste of real Mayo but wasn’t sure if it would be too sweet with miracle whip.
Pinkie says
Love this recipe!!! Thank you for sharing it with us. I follow it and add bacon to it (because bacon makes everything better right?!?) and shredded carrots to it. Delish!
Bernadette says
Hi Pinkie, bacon absolutely makes everything better! Glad you enjoyed it!