Best 3 Pasta Broccolini Salad Recipes

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Pasta broccolini salad is a vibrant, delicious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal or as a side dish. With its combination of fresh broccolini, tangy dressing, and al dente pasta, it is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. The salad is also highly customizable, making it easy to adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences. Whether you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version, or want to add some extra protein with grilled chicken or tofu, the possibilities are endless.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

PASTA SALAD WITH RICOTTA SALATA AND BROCCOLINI



Pasta Salad with Ricotta Salata and Broccolini image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 bundles broccolini
1/2 pound cavatappi (twists) pasta, cooked to al dente
1 shallot, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, a couple of glugs
1/3 to 1/2 pound wedge ricotta salata
6 sprigs fresh thyme, about 2 tablespoons of leaves stripped from stems
Coarse salt and pepper
1/2 pint grape tomatoes, halved

Steps:

  • Trim and discard the bottom 1/2-inch from the broccolini. Then cut the broccolini into 1-inch pieces. Steam broccolini covered in small skillet in 1/2 inch boiling water for 3 minutes, cold shock, and drain. Combine broccolini and pasta in a bowl.
  • Return pan to stove over low heat and saute shallots and garlic in oil 2 minutes. Pour warm oil over pasta and broccolini. Crumble ricotta salata over pasta. Sprinkle the pasta with thyme, salt, and pepper, and toss to combine. Adjust seasonings and garnish salad with halved grape tomatoes.

PASTA-BROCCOLINI SALAD



Pasta-Broccolini Salad image

Do you hate broccoli? You should try broccolini. It is similar to broccoli but more tender and mild in flavor. It is a hybrid vegetable of a cross between broccoli and Chinese kale. This salad can be served either warm or cold. Use any "tube" shaped pasta: penne, ziti, rigatoni, etc. (I like to use fresh pasta for this recipe.) Printed in our local natural foods' store flyer.

Provided by COOKGIRl

Categories     Vegetable

Time 13m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 1/2 lbs shaped pasta (read INTRO)
1 lb Broccolini
1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained (or equivalent amount of freshly cooked chickpeas)
1/4 cup walnut pieces, toasted
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
cracked black pepper, to taste
1/2 lemon, juice of

Steps:

  • Cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat up a large pot of salted water to boiling. Place the broccolini stems in the boiling water. Return to boil and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until the stems are crisp-tender.
  • Drain the broccolini and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process. Drain well again.
  • In a large serving bowl combine the broccolini with the cooked pasta. Gently stir in the chickpeas and *walnut pieces.
  • Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small non-reactive bowl.
  • Pour dressing over the broccoli-pasta mixture. Toss gently to coat.
  • Squeeze the lemon juice over the salad and serve or cover and chill.
  • *NOTE: If you choose to serve the salad cold, stir in the walnuts just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 930.4, Fat 22.1, SaturatedFat 2.9, Sodium 340.9, Carbohydrate 153.3, Fiber 10.7, Sugar 3.4, Protein 28.8

SICILIAN PASTA AND BROCCOLI



Sicilian Pasta and Broccoli image

This is a simple dish my grandmother made for me when I was a child. Now I make it for my daughter, Xea, and she loves it. As the broccoli takes on a toasty brown color, it develops a delicious nutty flavor that even picky kids will like.

Provided by Antonia Lofaso

Categories     main-dish

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup olive oil, or more if needed
2 large heads broccoli, cut in 1-inch florets (about 6 cups)
1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more for salting the pasta water
8 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
1 pound penne rigate (Penne rigate is my favorite because the ridges give it more texture.)
1/2 cup shredded or grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
2 tablespoons chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley, for garnish

Steps:

  • Heat the water for your pasta while you prepare the broccoli.
  • In a shallow, 10-inch saute pot, heat the 1 cup olive oil over medium-high heat (see Cook's Note). Add the broccoli to the oil and season it with salt. Saute the broccoli for about 4 minutes, or until it takes on a toasty color. The broccoli will absorb a lot of the oil, so if you find your pot getting dry, just add a little more oil to it. Throw in the garlic and cook for about another minute, until it's slightly brown. Don't burn the garlic! Take the broccoli off the heat and set it aside.
  • Prepare the penne according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and toss it in the pot with the broccoli, garlic, and olive oil. If the mixture seems dry, add a little more oil.
  • Toss in the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, stir, and garnish with the parsley.

Tips:

  • Select fresh and vibrant ingredients: Use crisp broccolini, ripe cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs for the best flavor.
  • Cook the pasta al dente: Slightly undercooked pasta will absorb the dressing better and retain its texture in the salad.
  • Use a flavorful dressing: The dressing is key to a tasty pasta salad. Experiment with different vinegars, oils, and seasonings to find a combination you enjoy.
  • Chill the salad before serving: This allows the flavors to meld and the pasta to firm up, resulting in a more refreshing and cohesive salad.
  • Add some crunch: Toasted nuts, crispy shallots, or crumbled bacon can add a delightful textural contrast to the salad.

Conclusion:

Pasta broccolini salad is a versatile and flavorful dish that combines the goodness of pasta, fresh vegetables, and a tangy dressing. Whether you're looking for a light and refreshing lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a delightful vegetarian main course, this salad has something for everyone. With its colorful appearance, satisfying texture, and delicious taste, pasta broccolini salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

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