This Broccoli Pasta Salad is a fun and colorful dish that mixes tasty pasta with crunchy broccoli and bright veggies. It’s all dressed up in a light and zesty dressing! Perfect for any meal!
I love how easy it is to whip up this salad. You can toss it together in no time and it makes a great lunch or picnic dish! Plus, who doesn’t enjoy sneaky veggies? 🥦🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using rotini for its fun shape that holds dressing well. If you’re looking to switch it up, any short pasta like fusilli or penne will work. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are also good alternatives!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives a nice crunch and vibrant color. If you can’t find it, try using blanched green beans or even steamed asparagus for a different texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: The mix of red and yellow tomatoes not only tastes great but looks beautiful too! Grape tomatoes are a good substitute if you prefer them. Canned tomatoes won’t work here, so stick to fresh.
Kalamata Olives: For a briny bite, Kalamata olives are the star. If you don’t like olives, feel free to leave them out or swap with capers for a similar flavor.
Mayonnaise: I usually opt for mayo in this recipe because it gives a creamy texture. For a healthier take, Greek yogurt is fantastic. You can even mix them for a balanced flavor.
How Do I Keep My Broccoli Crisp When Cooking?
Blanching is key to keeping broccoli bright and crunchy. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Boil water in a large pot and add a pinch of salt.
- Once it’s boiling, throw in the broccoli florets and let them cook for 2 minutes.
- Quickly scoop the broccoli out and plunge it into a bowl of ice water. This halts the cooking process and locks in that bright green color.
- Drain well before adding to the pasta salad.
By following these steps, your broccoli will stay fresh and vibrant in the dish!
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
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved; a mix of red and yellow)
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives (pitted)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Broccoli Pasta Salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare and then an additional 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. So, you’ll be enjoying this fresh and flavorful salad in about 50 minutes!
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 and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. When done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
2. Blanch the Broccoli:
While your pasta is cooking, let’s get that broccoli ready! Blanch the broccoli florets by placing them in a pot of boiling water for about 2 minutes. Then, quickly transfer them to a bowl filled with ice water. This will help keep them crunchy and bright green. After a few minutes, drain the broccoli well.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chilled pasta and blanched broccoli with the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives. Give it a good mix so everything’s nicely combined.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), dried oregano, and Dijon mustard if you’re using it. Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste until it’s smooth and well combined.
5. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the dressing
6. Add the Fresh Herbs:
Next, stir in the freshly chopped parsley for an extra pop of flavor.
7. Adjust the Seasoning:
Give the salad a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or even a splash more vinegar to suit your taste!
8. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow all those flavors to meld together beautifully.
9. Enjoy!
Now your Broccoli Pasta Salad is ready! Serve it chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light meal. Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Pasta for This Salad?
Absolutely! While rotini is a fantastic choice because of its shape, you can use any short pasta you have on hand, like penne, fusilli, or even farfalle. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be great alternatives!
How Long Will This Salad Last in the Fridge?
This Broccoli Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days for optimal freshness and crunch.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! To make this salad vegan, simply substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayo or use a creamy tahini or cashew dressing. Just be sure all other ingredients, like olives, are vegan-friendly, too!
What Can I Add for Extra Protein?
If you’d like to add more protein, consider mixing in some cooked chickpeas, grilled chicken, or crumbled feta cheese. Tofu would also be a great plant-based option for extra protein!
