This Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad combines pasta with tender crisp broccoli, sharp cheddar, bacon, and a creamy sweet-savory dressing. It delivers the flavor profile of classic broccoli salad with the heartiness of pasta, making it ideal for potlucks and all types summer gatherings. The one obvious difference in this broccoli salad is that I haven’t gone nearly as heavy on the mayo. While some are fine with mayo heavy pasta salads, it just isn’t my preference.