Description
Fresh Broccoli Pasta Salad is a crisp, colorful side dish featuring tender pasta, crunchy broccoli, fresh vegetables, cheddar cheese, and a creamy homemade dressing. Perfect for summer picnics, BBQs, potlucks, or meal prep, this easy recipe is both refreshing and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare the broccoli: Wash and chop the broccoli into small florets. For a slightly softer texture, blanch in boiling water for 1 minute, then transfer to an ice bath.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, broccoli, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, red onion, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and bacon if using.
- Add the dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve: Toss again before serving and garnish with extra sunflower seeds or cheddar cheese if desired.
Notes
This salad tastes even better after a few hours in the refrigerator. For a lighter version, replace the mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt. Add grilled chicken for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boil
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: fresh broccoli pasta salad, broccoli pasta salad recipe, creamy broccoli salad, easy summer salad, picnic pasta salad, bbq side dish