Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad is a creamy and refreshing dish perfect for warm days, potlucks, or weekday lunches. This pasta salad combines fresh broccoli florets, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and tender pasta shells to create a satisfying and flavorful mix.
The salad is tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and a hint of sugar that enhances each ingredient. After lightly blanching the broccoli to retain its crunch and vibrant color, everything is chilled to allow the flavors to meld, making this a standout among cold broccoli salad recipes.
Bright and Creamy Ingredients
The vibrant colors of this Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad make it a feast for the eyes.
Fresh broccoli florets add a delightful crunch and a pop of green, while golden shredded cheddar cheese brings a rich, savory flavor.
Colorful pasta shells not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a satisfying texture that complements the creamy dressing.
Simple Preparation Steps
Creating this creamy broccoli pasta salad is straightforward and quick.
Start by cooking the pasta until it’s al dente, ensuring it retains a firm bite.
Blanching the broccoli for just a couple of minutes helps maintain its bright color and crispness, making it a standout ingredient in this pasta salad.
Once the pasta and broccoli are ready, combine them with the cheddar cheese and any optional ingredients like red onion or crumbled bacon for added flavor.
A light dressing made from mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of sugar ties everything together beautifully.
Flavorful Dressing
The dressing is a key component of this creamy broccoli pasta salad, enhancing the overall taste.
Whisking together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper creates a smooth and tangy coating that complements the fresh ingredients.
This dressing not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the salad creamy and luscious.
Chilling for Maximum Flavor
After combining all the ingredients, it’s important to chill the salad.
Refrigerating for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a more cohesive dish.
This step is crucial for achieving the best taste, especially in cold broccoli salad recipes.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad is versatile and perfect for various occasions.
Whether it’s a sunny picnic, a potluck gathering, or a simple weekday lunch, this salad is sure to please.
Its creamy texture and vibrant ingredients make it a delightful addition to any meal.
Serving Suggestions
For an appealing presentation, serve the salad in a rustic bowl, garnished with fresh herbs.
This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a touch of freshness.
Pair it with grilled meats or enjoy it on its own as a light meal, making it a fantastic choice for warm days.
Easy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad Recipe
This Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad features a delightful combination of fresh broccoli, cheddar cheese, and pasta, all coated in a creamy dressing. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta shells or rotini
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon crumbled (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Blanch the Broccoli: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 1-2 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, blanched broccoli, cheddar cheese, and optional red onion and bacon. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 28g