Introduction
Looking for a quick, tasty, and healthy salad? This Fresh Broccoli Pasta Salad is just perfect! It’s full of bright green broccoli, yummy pasta, and a few extra ingredients to make it super delicious. Whether you’re making lunch at home, preparing a dish for a picnic, or adding something fresh to dinner—this salad is a winner!
You don’t need to be a chef to make this. It’s really simple, and the steps are easy to follow. Even if you’re new to cooking, you can make this without any trouble. Let’s get started!
Ingredients – Broccoli Pasta Salad
Before you begin, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups of small pasta (like rotini or penne)
- 2 cups of fresh broccoli (cut into small pieces)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
- ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup shredded carrots (optional)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- ¼ cup black olives (sliced, optional)
For the Dressing:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (or more mayo if you don’t like yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (apple cider or white)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Step by Step Process – Broccoli Pasta Salad
Here’s a very easy step-by-step guide you can follow:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling water in a big pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once it’s boiling, add the pasta and cook it until it’s soft (this usually takes 8–10 minutes). After that, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This helps cool it down quickly.
Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli
While the pasta is cooking, let’s soften the broccoli just a bit. Boil another pot of water and drop in the broccoli pieces for 1 minute only. Then, quickly take them out and put them in a bowl of cold water (this is called “blanching”). It helps the broccoli stay bright green and a little crunchy.
Step 3: Prepare the Other Ingredients
While the pasta and broccoli cool down, slice the red onion, cut the cherry tomatoes in half, and get your shredded carrots, cheese, and olives ready.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, yogurt, vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir it well until it looks smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Mix Everything Together
Take a big bowl. Add the cooled pasta, broccoli, tomatoes, onions, carrots, cheese, and olives. Now pour the dressing over it all. Gently mix everything so the dressing coats all the ingredients nicely.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving (Optional)
You can serve the salad right away, but it tastes even better if you let it sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes. The flavors mix together more and the salad becomes super tasty!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Protein | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Sodium | 290mg |
| Vitamin C | 60% DV |
| Calcium | 10% DV |
| Iron | 8% DV |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it and pat it dry before using. However, fresh broccoli gives a better crunch and color.
Q2: What kind of pasta works best?
Short pasta like rotini, penne, fusilli, or bowtie works great because it holds the dressing well.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This salad is perfect to make a few hours before. In fact, the flavor gets even better after it sits in the fridge for a while.
Q4: What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
You can use plain Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even a light vinaigrette dressing for a different taste.
Q5: Is this salad served warm or cold?
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. Great for picnics or lunch boxes!
Q6: Can I add some protein to make it a full meal?
Of course! You can add cooked chicken, chickpeas, boiled eggs, or even grilled tofu to make it more filling.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Fresh Broccoli Pasta Salad is an easy, tasty, and colorful dish that’s perfect for any day. It’s packed with fresh veggies, a creamy dressing, and fun pasta shapes—what’s not to love?
Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, you can easily make this salad. It’s great for picnics, school lunches, potlucks, or just a light dinner. And the best part? You can change it up with your favorite veggies or add your own twist.
So why not give it a try today? Grab your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and enjoy a healthy homemade salad that everyone will love.
