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Best Broccoli Pasta Salad

A vibrant mix of flavors, colors, and textures that elevate classic pasta salads with healthy ingredients and a creamy dressing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups pasta (e.g., rotini or fusilli) Cook according to package instructions.
  • 2 cups broccoli florets Blanched and cooled.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
Dressing
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • to taste Salt and pepper
Garnish
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated Can be replaced with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
  2. Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer to ice-cold water to stop cooking.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and shredded carrots.
Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
  2. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
Serving
  1. Stir in the parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  2. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Great served as a side dish or a light meal. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables.