This Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad is a fresh and flavorful dish that combines crunchy broccoli with tender pasta, all tossed in a creamy and tangy dressing. With vibrant vegetables, a zesty dressing, and a sprinkle of cheese, this pasta salad is a perfect side dish for picnics, barbecues, or a light lunch. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and will quickly become a favorite at any gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Broccoli Pasta Salad is a great way to sneak in some veggies while enjoying the comforting taste of pasta. The combination of broccoli, pasta, and creamy dressing creates the perfect balance of textures, while the tangy flavor from the dressing adds a refreshing twist. The best part is, this dish is completely customizable—add extra veggies, proteins, or even a sprinkle of nuts for added crunch. It’s a quick, easy, and satisfying recipe that’s perfect for summer gatherings or meal prepping!

Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad

Ingredients

2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or lightly steamed)
2 cups cooked pasta (rotini, fusilli, or bowtie work well)
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
1/4 cup sunflower seeds or sliced almonds (optional for crunch)

For the dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside.
Blanch or steam the broccoli: If you’re using fresh broccoli, blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until it’s just tender and bright green. Drain and rinse under cold water to keep it crisp. If you prefer, you can also steam the broccoli for about 3-4 minutes until tender.
Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, broccoli florets, diced red bell pepper, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Add the extras: If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and sunflower seeds or sliced almonds on top of the salad for extra flavor and crunch.
Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Servings and timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes (for pasta and broccoli)
Total time: 20-30 minutes (including chilling time)

Variations

Add Protein: Make this salad more filling by adding grilled chicken, cooked beef, or chickpeas for a boost of protein.
Vegan Version: Swap the mayonnaise and yogurt for vegan mayonnaise and a dairy-free yogurt alternative. You can also omit the cheese or use a plant-based version.
Other Veggies: Add other vegetables like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or peas to enhance the flavor and color of the salad.
Herbs and Spices: Add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil for extra freshness. A sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder can add an extra layer of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover broccoli pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Just give it a good stir before serving if the dressing thickens in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this salad?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well for this recipe! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using it in the salad. Steaming or blanching frozen broccoli before adding it to the salad is also a good idea.

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad is great for meal prepping. You can prepare it a day or two in advance. Just be sure to store the dressing separately if you want to keep the salad extra fresh and prevent it from getting soggy.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! You can use any type of pasta you like—penne, fusilli, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta if you’re following a gluten-free diet.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Traditional pasta is not keto-friendly, but you can substitute it with a low-carb option like zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles to make it keto-friendly.

How can I make the dressing lighter?

To lighten up the dressing, use a combination of Greek yogurt and a little bit of olive oil instead of mayonnaise, or use a lighter version of mayonnaise.

Can I add nuts to this salad?

Yes! Adding nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts can give the salad a crunchy texture and extra flavor.

Conclusion

This Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad is a versatile, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that works for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, a barbecue, or just as a quick weeknight side dish, this pasta salad is sure to impress. With its perfect combination of tender pasta, crisp broccoli, and creamy dressing, it’s a refreshing, nutrient-packed dish that will keep you coming back for more!

Chef MARTHA

Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe