Pasta and broccoli salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer picnic or potluck. It is made with cooked pasta, broccoli florets, and a variety of other ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes, red onion, and Parmesan cheese. The salad is typically tossed in a dressing made with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. This article will provide you with tips for making the best pasta and broccoli salad, as well as a few different recipes to try.
Here are our top 12 tried and tested recipes!
ASIAN PASTA SALAD WITH BEEF, BROCCOLI AND BEAN SPROUTS
A creamy soy-ginger dressing nicely complements this pasta salad with broccoli, red pepper, bean sprouts, and peanuts.
Provided by Ben S.
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Broccoli Salad Recipes
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- Mix garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, ginger, and pepper flakes in a 2-cup Pyrex measuring cup. Whisk in mayonnaise until smooth, then in a slow steady stream, whisk in oil to make an emulsified dressing; keep chilled until ready to toss with salad. Store in a clean jar with lid.
- Bring 1 gallon of water and 2 tablespoons of salt to boil in a large soup kettle. Add pasta and, using package times as a guide, boil, stirring frequently and adding broccoli the last 1 minute, until just tender. Drain thoroughly (do not rinse) and dump onto a large, lipped cookie sheet. Set aside while preparing remaining salad ingredients.
- Place all salad ingredients (except soy-ginger dressing) in a large bowl or transfer to a gallon-size zipper bag. (Can be covered and refrigerated several hours at this point). When ready to serve, add dressing; toss to coat and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 467.6 calories, Carbohydrate 53.7 g, Cholesterol 28.6 mg, Fat 19.2 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 23.9 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 3119.8 mg, Sugar 7.3 g
CREAMY HERBED CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI PASTA SALAD
Stir grilled chicken into this creamy pasta salad with broccoli and roasted red pepper.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 45m
Yield 4-6
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Whisk together the mayonnaise, basil, parsley, sour cream, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl.
- Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot; brush with the oil. Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken, turning once, until well-marked and just cooked through, about 7 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes, then cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Meanwhile, cook the broccoli in the boiling water until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer the broccoli to a colander with a slotted spoon and run under cold water to stop the cooking process. Add the broccoli to the bowl with the dressing.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool; add to the bowl.
- Add the chicken and red peppers to the bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. The pasta salad is best if served right away.
PASTA AND BROCCOLI SALAD
Cooking the pasta and the broccoli together makes this easy salad even simpler.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Salad Recipes
Time 20m
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Cook pasta in boiling salted water, 7 minutes. Add broccoli; cook until both pasta and broccoli are tender, about 5 minutes. Drain; rinse under cold water.
- In a small bowl, combine pasta, broccoli, Parmesan, and 1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Add olive oil, and toss. If desired, squeeze a lemon wedge over salad just before eating.
TOMATO, BROCCOLI AND PASTA SALAD
A meal on its own... Great for picnics and summer parties. Looks great with the coloured pasta. Not too high in calories either. One of my sister's recipes passed down...
Provided by Valerie in Australia
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 40m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Cook pasta until tender but firm.
- Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Wrap in paper towel and set aside.
- Blanch the broccoli for 2 minutes in boiling water.
- Drain and rinse in cold water and wrap in a towel.
- In salad bowl combine pasta, green onions,tomatoes, cheese (add broccoli just before serving) Dressing: Combine lemon juice, water, garlic, mustard and olive oil till mixed well.
- Pour over salad and toss till mixed.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
- Tastes even better the next day.
- The broccoli is added last because the acid in the salad dressing will cause the broccoli to lose its green colour.
GRILLED CHICKEN PASTA SALAD WITH CARAMELIZED ONION, BROCCOLI AND MANGO
Boasting the flavors of caramelized onions, broccoli, red bell peppers and mangoes, this pasta salad has earned top ratings from Betty members.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 1h30m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat gas or charcoal grill. Cook pasta as directed on package; drain. Rinse with cold water to cool; drain well.
- Meanwhile, place chicken on grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook 15 to 20 minutes, turning once or twice until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (170°F). Cool slightly. Cut into 3/4-inch cubes.
- In 8-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Stir in onion; cook uncovered 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook 10 to 15 minutes longer, stirring every 5 minutes, until onion is deep golden brown (onion will shrink during cooking). Cool slightly.
- In large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, caramelized onion and remaining ingredients; toss gently to coat. Cover; refrigerate 30 minutes to blend flavors.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 360, Carbohydrate 42 g, Cholesterol 35 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 4 g, Protein 19 g, SaturatedFat 1 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 810 mg, Sugar 13 g, TransFat 0 g
BROCCOLI AND CHICKEN PASTA SALAD
Great for lunch boxes. Healthy food kids love!
Provided by maggiek
Categories Salad 100+ Pasta Salad Recipes Chicken Pasta Salad Recipes
Time 30m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook fusilli in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Transfer pasta to a large bowl.
- Meanwhile, fit a deep saucepan with a steamer insert. Add 2 inches of water and heat to boiling. Place broccoli in the steamer, cover, and cook until just tender, about 4 minutes. Add to the bowl with the cooked pasta.
- Add chicken, corn, tomatoes, and green onions to the bowl with the pasta.
- Whisk olive oil, honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and black pepper together in a bowl. Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 218.1 calories, Carbohydrate 36.9 g, Cholesterol 19.7 mg, Fat 3.1 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 13.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.8 g, Sodium 458.3 mg, Sugar 9 g
PASTA SALAD WITH BROCCOLI AND PEANUTS
The peanut butter, rice vinegar, and soy sauce give this Pasta Salad with Broccoli and Peanuts an Asian-inspired flavor.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Salad Recipes
Time 35m
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, and rinse under cold water; set aside.
- Meanwhile, trim 1 inch from the stem end of broccoli stalks. Using a vegetable peeler or paring knife, peel outer layer of stalks; thinly slice crosswise. Separate florets into bite-size pieces.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium.Add pepper flakes, broccoli, and 3/4 cup water; cover and cook until broccoli is crisp-tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Uncover and cook until liquid has evaporated and broccoli is tender, 2 to 4 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk together remaining 2 tablespoons oil, vinegar, peanut butter, and soy sauce until smooth. Add cooled pasta, broccoli, scallions, and peanuts; toss to combine. Serve immediately, or refrigerate and serve chilled.
SWEET AND SOUR BROCCOLI PASTA SALAD
Make and share this Sweet and Sour Broccoli Pasta Salad recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Hey Jude
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 30m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Cook pasta per package directions, omitting salt and adding broccoli during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Drain and rinse well under cold water until pasta and broccoli are cool.
- Place pasta, broccoli, carrots and apple in a medium bowl.
- Combine yogurt, apple juice, cider vinegar, oil, mustard, honey and thyme and pour over pasta mixture; tossing to coat evenly.
- Serve on lettuce leaves.
BROCCOLI AND TOMATO PASTA SALAD
Make and share this Broccoli and Tomato Pasta Salad recipe from Food.com.
Provided by ellie_
Categories Strawberry
Time 25m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat 1/4 cup oil in skillet over med.
- high heat.
- Add broccoli, onion, garlic and basil and cook until broccoli is crisp-tender (6 minutes).
- Remove from heat and cool.
- Put broccoli mixture and pasta in bowl and toss.
- Add fruit (strawberries and kiwi), tomatoes and bacon bits and toss again.
- Mix together remaining oil and vinegar and pour over salad.
- Toss.
- Crumble feta cheese over top of salad and toss.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
PASTA SALAD WITH TUNA AND BROCCOLI
This pasta salad is a little different: the dressing is made with olive oil and anchovies. This is a good, light meal for the summer.
Provided by Ann
Categories Salad Vegetable Salad Recipes Broccoli Salad Recipes
Time 45m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Put a large pot of salted water on to boil; use this water to blanch the broccoli and cook the pasta. Blanch broccoli in boiling water. When it is al dente, transfer broccoli to a bowl of ice water. Drain thoroughly.
- Cook penne in salted, boiling water until al dente. Drain. Rinse under cold running water until completely cooled, and then drain completely.
- Meanwhile, place tuna in a skillet with water, white wine, and lemon juice. Cover, and cook until done. Break fish into chunks.
- Combine broccoli, penne, fish, tomatoes, cheese, olives, walnuts, garlic, and parsley in a large serving bowl.
- Heat olive oil in small pan over low heat. Cut anchovy fillets into small pieces, add to the olive oil, and mash with a fork until they dissolve. Do not let oil get too hot. Pour oil-anchovy mixture over salad. Toss, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 906.5 calories, Carbohydrate 66.9 g, Cholesterol 84.7 mg, Fat 49.3 g, Fiber 5.8 g, Protein 50.8 g, SaturatedFat 12.7 g, Sodium 672.2 mg, Sugar 6.9 g
BROCCOLI, PASTA, AND PESTO SALAD
If you've never tried pesto before, this is the recipe to start with. Maybe, once you try pesto, you'll be encouraged to add basil to your kitchen garden!
Provided by wildheart
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 25m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cook and drain pasta; cool.
- Combine pasta, meat, broccoli, and cheeses in large bowl.
- Put basil and garlic in food processor or blender; whiz.
- Add mayo to food processor or blender.
- Mix thoroughly.
- Stir into pasta mix.
- Toss to coat.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
- During the last 1/2 hour of chilling time, toss once to mix.
- For color contrast, serve with cherry tomatoes, cut in halves.
PASTA SALAD WITH BROCCOLI AND PEANUTS
Categories Pasta
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, and rinse under cold water; set aside. Meanwhile, trim 1 inch from the stem end of broccoli stalks. Using a vegetable peeler or paring knife, peel outer layer of stalks; thinly slice crosswise. Separate florets into bite-size pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium.Add pepper flakes, broccoli, and ¾ cup water; cover and cook until broccoli is crisp-tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Uncover and cook until liquid has evaporated and broccoli is tender, 2 to 4 minutes. In a large bowl, whisk together remaining 2 tablespoons oil, vinegar, peanut butter, and soy sauce until smooth. Add cooled pasta, broccoli, scallions, and peanuts; toss to combine. Serve immediately, or refrigerate and serve chilled.
Tips:
- Choose the right pasta. Short, sturdy pastas like penne, rotini, or farfalle are ideal for pasta salads as they can hold up well to the dressing and other ingredients. You can also use long pastas like spaghetti or fettuccine, but they may be more difficult to toss and eat.
- Cook the pasta al dente. This means cooking it until it is just tender but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and won't hold up well in a salad.
- Cool the pasta before adding it to the salad. This will help prevent the pasta from absorbing too much of the dressing and becoming soggy.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your salad. If possible, use organic produce and fresh herbs.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors. There are endless possibilities when it comes to pasta salad dressings and toppings. Try different combinations of ingredients until you find one that you love.
Conclusion:
Pasta salad is a refreshing, versatile dish that is perfect for summer gatherings or potlucks. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With so many different recipes to choose from, you are sure to find one that you will enjoy. So next time you are looking for a light and flavorful meal, give pasta salad a try. You won't be disappointed.
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