Broccoli & Grape Pasta Salad

My hubby finally completed his training at work so we decided to celebrate with lunch at the Cheesecake Factory.  I just love that place, but man their portions are HUGE!  Everyone was happy to have something light for dinner and Broccoli and Grape Pasta Salad was the prefect dinner.  Light, satisfying, sweet, and tangy was the perfect combo after a heavy lunch.

This recipe was inspired by the one found HERE.

Broccoli and Grape Pasta Salad
1 cup Chopped Walnut Pieces
8 oz Bowtie Pasta
1 lb Fresh Broccoli, trimmed
1 cup Mayonnaise
1/3 cup Sugar
1/3 cup Red Wine Vinegar
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 Red Onion, finely diced
2 cups Red Grapes, halved
1/3 cup Bacon Pieces

• Prepare pasta according to package for al dente
• Meanwhile toast walnuts in a 350 degree oven until fragrant (about 5 minutes) giving the pan a slight shake every minute or so
• Cut broccoli florets from stems and trimming the florets into bite size pieces, wash, and set aside
• In a large bowl whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, red wine vinegar, and salt
• Add broccoli, onion, pasta, and grapes and coat well
• Refrigerate for 3 hours to allow flavors to blend
• Before serving top with walnuts and bacon

This was so light and refreshing.  I love the sweet and tangy dressing along with the crunch of the walnuts.  So good!  This would be good with some shredded carrot and dried cranberries too!  Yummy!