This Easy Broccoli Pasta Salad is a colorful and tasty dish! It features bright broccoli, sweet cherry tomatoes, and hearty pasta, all mixed with a creamy dressing that ties it together.
I love how quick it is to make—perfect for a last-minute side. Plus, it’s great for warm days, and any leftovers make a delicious lunch the next day. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This spiral-shaped pasta is great for holding onto the dressing. If you don’t have rotini, feel free to use penne or fusilli instead. They’re just as delicious!
Broccoli: Fresh is best for that crisp texture and bright color, but frozen broccoli can be a time-saver. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well!
Cherry Tomatoes: For a pop of sweetness, cherry tomatoes work wonders. Substitute with diced bell peppers if tomatoes aren’t available or for a different flavor.
Dressing Ingredients: Mayonnaise can be swapped for Greek yogurt for a lighter option. A splash of vinegar or lemon juice adds brightness. I prefer using lemon juice for a fresh zing.
Cheese: Mozzarella adds creaminess, while feta offers a tangy touch. You can skip the cheese or use a dairy-free option if needed. Nutritional yeast is a nice alternative for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
What’s the Best Way to Blanch Broccoli?
Blanching is an essential step to keep your broccoli bright and crisp. Here’s how you can do it:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Drop in the broccoli florets and cook for about 1-2 minutes until they turn bright green and slightly tender.
- Immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water. This shocks the broccoli and keeps it from cooking further, ensuring it stays crunchy.
- Once cooled, drain well and it’s ready to mix into your salad!
Taking these simple steps will elevate the flavor and texture of your pasta salad, making it extra delicious!
Easy Broccoli Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (about 2 cups uncooked)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cubed cucumber (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Broccoli Pasta Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and blanching the broccoli, then another 10 minutes mixing everything together and letting it chill. It’s simple and quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to cool it off quickly. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the veggies.
2. Blanch the Broccoli:
In the same pot (or a separate one), bring some water back to a boil. Carefully add the broccoli florets and blanch them for 1-2 minutes, just until they’re bright green and slightly tender. Quickly transfer the blanched broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. After a few minutes, drain the broccoli well.
3. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, blanched broccoli, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber (if using), and cheese (if using). Give it a gentle toss to mix everything well.
4. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), white vinegar (or lemon juice), Dijon mustard, sugar, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine It All:
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
6. Chill and Serve:
Give your salad a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your Easy Broccoli Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal. Enjoy your fresh and vibrant creation!
Can I Use Any Other Vegetables in This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute with other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas to suit your taste. Just keep the quantities similar for balance.
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the salad up to 1 day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. If it needs it, give it a quick toss with more dressing before serving, as the pasta may soak some up.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Definitely! Substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo or cashew cream and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. You’ll still have a delicious pasta salad!
