Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Fresh and Flavorful Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe You’ll Love - Featured Image

Fresh and Flavorful Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe You’ll Love

Learn how to make delicious Broccoli Pasta Salad. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients—fresh, vibrant broccoli and quality pasta make all the difference. I always look for crisp broccoli heads with tight florets and a deep green color. When it comes to pasta, I prefer small shapes like rotini or penne because they hold the dressing well and mix nicely with the broccoli’s texture. Over the years, I’ve found that simple, wholesome ingredients give the best results without needing to overcomplicate the salad.

  • 3 cups broccoli florets, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups cooked rotini pasta, cooled
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Start by blanching the broccoli florets: bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the broccoli, and cook for 1-2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking and preserve that vibrant color.
  2. Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it quickly. This prevents the salad from becoming mushy.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  4. Add the cooled broccoli, pasta, red onion, shredded cheddar, and nuts (if using) to the bowl. Gently toss everything together to coat evenly with the dressing.
  5. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. I find letting it sit overnight really deepens the taste, making it even better the next day.
  6. Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning if needed. A little extra vinegar or honey can brighten it up depending on your preference.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Keywords: Broccoli Pasta Salad, recipe, cooking, food