Description
This Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad is a vibrant medley of crunchy broccoli florets and al dente pasta, all enveloped in a creamy dressing that bursts with flavor. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures, from the crisp vegetables to the smooth, tangy sauce, making it a perfect side dish or light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- Pasta: 2 cups of rotini pasta, cooked al dente and cooled
- Broccoli: 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets, blanched and cooled
- Red Onion: 1/2 cup, finely chopped
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Sunflower Seeds: 1/2 cup, toasted
- Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath to maintain their vibrant color and crunch.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, broccoli, red onion, cheddar cheese, and sunflower seeds.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Notes
- This salad can be made a day in advance; just keep it covered in the refrigerator.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: salad
- Method: boiling and mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5 grams
- Sodium: 450 milligrams
- Fat: 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 10 grams
- Cholesterol: 15 milligrams
Keywords: Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe, creamy pasta salad, broccoli salad, vegetarian pasta dish, summer salad, easy pasta salad, cold pasta salad, healthy side dish, picnic salad, quick salad recipe, creamy dressing, rotini pasta salad, crunchy salad