Description
This Broccoli Pasta Salad is a bright, refreshing, and nutritious dish combining tender pasta, crisp broccoli, and a zesty natural dressing. Perfect for quick and healthy summer meals, it offers a satisfying crunch, vibrant colors, and wholesome flavors that everyone will enjoy. Easily customizable and great for make-ahead meals, it is a versatile addition to your warm-weather menu.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- Bite-sized pasta (rotini or penne), 8 oz
- Fresh broccoli florets, 2 cups
- Cherry tomatoes, 1 cup, halved
- Red bell pepper, 1 medium, diced
- Red onion, 1 small, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley, 1/4 cup, roughly chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- Apple cider vinegar (natural), 3 tablespoons
- Olive oil, 1/4 cup
- Mustard (natural), 1 teaspoon
- Maple syrup (natural), 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder (natural), 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta cooks, chop the fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red bell pepper, thinly slice the red onion, and roughly chop the fresh parsley.
- Make the zesty dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar (natural), olive oil, mustard (natural), maple syrup (natural), garlic powder (natural), salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
- Toss everything together: In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, chopped broccoli, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, and parsley. Pour the dressing over and gently toss until everything is evenly coated and glossy.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the dressing to soak in and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Cook pasta properly to avoid mushiness and maintain firmness.
- Chill the salad well to enhance flavor and texture.
- Cut vegetables uniformly for balanced texture and taste in every bite.
- Use fresh herbs for vibrant aroma and flavor.
- Season gradually and taste as you go to avoid over-salting or excessive acidity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Broccoli pasta salad, summer salad, vegetarian pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, plant-based salad
