Why make this recipe
Broccoli Pasta Salad is a fantastic choice for everyone who loves a healthy and tasty meal. This salad is colorful, refreshing, and packed with nutrients. It combines pasta, fresh veggies, and creamy feta cheese, making it a satisfying dish for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s simple to make and perfect for gatherings or potlucks!
How to make Best Broccoli Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
How to serve Best Broccoli Pasta Salad
Serve the Broccoli Pasta Salad chilled. It’s great on its own or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. Feel free to garnish with extra feta cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor.
How to store Best Broccoli Pasta Salad
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you find the pasta has absorbed some of the dressing, you can drizzle a little olive oil over it before serving again.
Tips to make Best Broccoli Pasta Salad
- To enhance the flavor, let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the dressing to soak into the ingredients.
- You can also add nuts or seeds, like sunflower seeds or walnuts, for extra crunch.
- If you prefer a creamier salad, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the dressing.
Variation
You can switch up the vegetables based on your preference! Try adding bell peppers, carrots, or cucumbers. For protein, grilled chicken or chickpeas make excellent additions to this salad.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any pasta shape you like. Just make sure to cook it according to package instructions.
Is this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative.
How can I make this salad gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta in place of regular rotini. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
Broccoli Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.