Why Make This Recipe
Broccoli pasta salad is a delightful dish that combines fresh vegetables with pasta for a tasty and healthy meal. It’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a light lunch. This salad is not only easy to make but also allows you to enjoy the goodness of broccoli and other colorful veggies. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some greens into your diet!
How to Make Best Broccoli Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow pasta
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the elbow pasta according to package instructions and drain.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and shredded carrots.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
How to Serve Best Broccoli Pasta Salad
Best Broccoli Pasta Salad can be served cold or at room temperature. It shines as a side dish for grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a light main course. You can also garnish it with extra cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of cheese if you like.
How to Store Best Broccoli Pasta Salad
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to three days. The flavors will deepen and improve over time, making it a great make-ahead dish.
Tips to Make Best Broccoli Pasta Salad
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft when mixed with the other ingredients.
- Feel free to add nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
- Adjust the dressing to your taste; if you like it creamier, add more mayonnaise or yogurt.
Variation
You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumber for extra flavor and crunch. For a protein boost, consider tossing in some cooked chickpeas or grilled chicken.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! You can substitute elbow pasta with any pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini or farfalle.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! You can replace mayonnaise with a vegan alternative and use dairy-free yogurt.
3. How can I make it gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free pasta instead of regular elbow pasta to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Best Broccoli Pasta Salad
A delightful broccoli pasta salad that combines fresh vegetables with elbow pasta for a healthy and tasty meal, perfect for potlucks or light lunches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow pasta
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the elbow pasta according to package instructions and drain.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and shredded carrots.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
For extra crunch, consider adding nuts or seeds. Feel free to adjust the dressing to your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: broccoli salad, pasta salad, healthy salad, vegetarian recipes, potluck dishes
