Go Back
–+ servings
Broccoli Pasta Salad

Ultimate Broccoli Pasta Salad for Summer Gatherings

This Broccoli Pasta Salad is a colorful, customizable dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 4 cups broccoli florets steamed or raw
  • 8 ounces rotini or short pasta
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion green onions can be used for a milder taste
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries can substitute with dried cherries
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds could substitute with pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts
  • 6 slices bacon can leave it out for vegetarian version
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese optional, can replace with goat cheese or omit
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar apple cider vinegar may be used as a substitute
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise low-fat or vegan mayo can be used
  • 1/2 cup sour cream can replace with Greek yogurt
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Colander
  • Whisk
  • Large spoon or salad tongs

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of white wine vinegar, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, and 1/2 cup of sour cream until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of broccoli florets, 1/2 cup of diced red onion, 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds, and 6 slices of crumbled bacon. Add 1/2 cup of feta cheese if using. Toss gently.
  4. Add the drained pasta to the bowl. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until well-coated.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This Broccoli Pasta Salad is perfect for preparing a day in advance to enhance flavors.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!