This Easy Broccoli Pasta Salad is a light and tasty dish packed with colorful veggies and tender pasta. Simple ingredients like fresh broccoli and cherry tomatoes make it cheerful and inviting!
I love how quick it is to whip up! Just toss everything together, and you have a perfect side for any meal. Plus, it’s great for picnics—so don’t forget to share! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: I recommend using rotini for its twists that hold onto the dressing well. However, any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or shells works just as nicely. Whole wheat pasta is an excellent option for a healthier twist.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is essential for both texture and color. If broccoli isn’t available, you can use frozen broccoli florets—just make sure to thaw and drain them well. Cauliflower can also work as a fun alternative!
Kalamata Olives: These olives add a nice briny flavor. If you prefer less salty, you can use black olives or omit them altogether. Green olives are another option if you like that tangy touch.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta is fantastic for its creaminess. If you need a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based feta or leave it out completely. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast could add a cheesy flavor if desired!
How Do I Really Get That Broccoli Bright and Tender?
Blanching broccoli is key to getting that nice vibrant color while keeping it slightly crunchy. Here’s how to do it:
- Boil water with a pinch of salt; this not only flavors the broccoli but enhances its color.
- Add the broccoli for just 1 minute—this will make it bright green and tender without losing its crunch.
- Immediately move the broccoli into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- After a few minutes, drain it well to avoid watery pasta salad.
This technique can be applied to other veggies, too, like carrots or green beans, if you like extra crunch in your salad!
Easy Broccoli Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Salad:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or similar short pasta)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sweet mini peppers, finely diced (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder or 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Broccoli Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. It’s a quick dish that gives you plenty of time to enjoy other fun activities!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add in the rotini pasta. Cook according to package directions until it’s al dente—firm to the bite. Once ready, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well again to avoid a watery salad.
2. Blanch the Broccoli:
In the same pot of boiling water, add the fresh broccoli florets. Blanch them for just about 1 minute. You want them to turn a bright green and be slightly tender. Quickly transfer the broccoli to an ice bath (or run cold water over them) to stop the cooking. Drain well again.
3. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta and broccoli with the chopped red onion, halved olives, diced mini peppers (if using), and crumbled feta cheese. Mix well to combine all the wonderful ingredients.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder (or minced garlic), and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This dressing will tie all the flavors together, and you can adjust it to your liking!
5. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything together gently but thoroughly. You want every bite to be deliciously coated!
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps all the flavors blend beautifully. Before serving, give it a taste and tweak the seasoning if needed.
7. Enjoy:
Remove from the fridge and serve your Easy Broccoli Pasta Salad cold or at room temperature. It’s delightful as a side dish for picnics, barbecues, or even as a light lunch on its own!
Can I Use Any Type of Pasta for This Salad?
Absolutely! While rotini works great for its twisted shape, you can substitute it with any short pasta like fusilli, penne, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Pasta Salad?
Leftover Easy Broccoli Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day! Just give it a good stir before serving.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This salad is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you need a dairy-free option or simply don’t have feta on hand, try using crumbled goat cheese or a dairy-free feta alternative. You can also leave it out entirely and add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor!