Imagine a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines the perfect blend of tender pasta, crisp broccoli, and juicy cherry tomatoes – all tossed in a light, flavorful dressing that will make your taste buds dance! This Pasta Salad with Broccoli is not just another side dish; it's a culinary adventure that brings Italian-inspired flavors right to your table in just 30 minutes. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, this recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Pasta
- Broccoli
- Cherry tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: pasta, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt to the water.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the broccoli. Cut the broccoli into small florets and rinse them under cold water.
- In the last 2-3 minutes of pasta cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot with the pasta. This will blanch the broccoli, keeping it bright green and tender-crisp.
- Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow to drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta and broccoli with halved cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle olive oil over the pasta salad, enough to lightly coat the ingredients, and toss gently to combine.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the salad, adjusting to taste, and toss again to distribute evenly.
- Grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad, adding more if desired, and give it one final toss to mix everything together.
- Let the pasta salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- For the best texture, be careful not to overcook your pasta. Aim for al dente – firm to the bite – as the pasta will continue to absorb flavors as it cools.
- Rinse the pasta and broccoli with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent further softening. This helps maintain a perfect texture and keeps the broccoli bright green.
- Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. The olive oil and Italian seasoning will infuse the pasta and vegetables with delicious taste.
- For extra flavor, consider toasting the Parmesan cheese lightly before adding it to the salad, or add some fresh basil leaves for an additional burst of freshness.
- This pasta salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it perfect for meal prep or advance party planning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
