This Broccoli Pasta Salad is a fun and colorful dish filled with crunchy broccoli, tasty pasta, and zesty dressing. It’s perfect for lunch or a picnic!
You can toss in your favorite veggies or nuts, making it your own. I love how it’s so easy to whip up; just cook the pasta, add everything, and enjoy! 🥦🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This spiral shape holds onto the dressing beautifully. You can swap it with other short pasta like fusilli, penne, or even whole wheat for added fiber.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives a nice crunch. Frozen broccoli can work too, just ensure it’s thawed and well-drained. For a different vibe, try asparagus or snap peas!
Red Onion: I love the sharpness of red onions, but if they’re too intense for you, sweet onions or green onions are great alternatives. They offer a milder taste.
Kalamata Olives: These add a rich flavor. If you prefer, swap them for black olives or even capers for a briny kick. Just adjust the salt since olives can be salty.
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a nice tang. If you’re avoiding cheese, consider using nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or a vegan cheese option to meet dietary needs.
Mayonnaise: You can always opt for Greek yogurt for a healthier version. If you’re vegan, use a plant-based mayo or a tahini dressing instead.
How Do I Get the Broccoli Just Right in My Salad?
The secret to perfectly cooked broccoli in your pasta salad is blanching. This technique keeps it vibrant and crunchy. Here’s how to do it:
- Boil salted water and add your pasta first. Cook as per package instructions.
- With 2-3 minutes to go, toss the broccoli florets into the boiling water with the pasta. This ensures they cook yet remain firm.
- Drain everything and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. This keeps the greens bright.
With these tips, your broccoli will add a delightful crunch to the salad rather than turning mushy!
How to Make Broccoli Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups rotini pasta (or any short spiral pasta)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese or creamy cheese of choice
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt (for a lighter option)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Broccoli Pasta Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to chill in the fridge, totaling about 50 minutes. It’s perfect for meal prep or potlucks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the rotini pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. This means it should be cooked but still have a little bite to it.
2. Blanching the Broccoli:
Now, here’s a neat trick: during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking the pasta, toss in the broccoli florets. This blanches them and keeps them tender-crisp. Then, drain both the pasta and broccoli in a colander and rinse them with cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps them cool down quickly. Make sure to drain well!
3. Making the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy.
4. Assembling the Salad:
Add the cooled pasta and broccoli to the bowl with the dressing. Give it a good toss to coat everything evenly. Now fold in the sliced red onions, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. What a colorful combo!
5. Tasting and Chilling:
Take a moment to taste your salad. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as you like. Then, pop the salad into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
6. Final Touches:
Before serving, give the salad another good toss to mix it up again. If you want a little kick, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top for added spice if you’d like!
Enjoy your fresh and creamy Broccoli Pasta Salad – it’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal on its own!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta for This Salad?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto the dressing, you can use any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or even whole wheat pasta for added nutrition. Just make sure to cook it al dente!
Can I Replace the Mayonnaise?
Yes! If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute. For a vegan alternative, consider using plant-based mayonnaise or a tahini dressing to keep it creamy and delicious.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can customize this salad by adding other veggies like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even spinach for a nutrient boost. Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover broccoli pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If it seems dry after sitting, add a splash of olive oil or a little more Greek yogurt before enjoying it again!
