Name: Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz rotini pasta (or fusilli, penne); 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 medium head), cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ⅓ cup red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, diced (or shredded); ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional); ¼ cup toasted sunflower seeds (or pumpkin seeds); ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley; ½ cup plain Greek yogurt; 3 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 clove garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Looking for a fresh, vibrant salad that's as satisfying as it is simple? This Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe is your new go-to! Packed with crisp-tender broccoli, toothsome pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a zingy homemade dressing, every bite is loaded with color and bold flavor.

What makes this salad so irresistible? It's an absolute lifesaver for busy nights and potlucks, coming together in just minutes and boasting a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and tangy. The best part: it's endlessly customizable, so you can make it your own!

Whether you need a healthy lunch prep, a stellar barbecue side, or just something the whole family will devour, this broccoli pasta salad is a total crowd-pleaser. It's inspired by my mom's summertime favorite-and now it's a staple at every gathering. Trust me, you'll want to put this recipe on repeat all season long.

Vibrant bowl of broccoli pasta salad with cherry tomatoes and creamy dressing

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Super Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal chopping and fuss.
Fresh & Flavorful: Bursting with colorful veggies, tender pasta, and a zesty homemade dressing.
Perfect for Make-Ahead: Tastes even better after chilling-ideal for meal prep and parties.
Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily customizable for different tastes, occasions, and dietary needs.

Key Ingredients for Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Broccoli

Broccoli is the star of this salad, providing that fresh crunch and gorgeous green pop. For best texture, cut your broccoli into small florets so they blend perfectly with the pasta. Quickly blanching them in boiling water helps them stay vibrant and tender-crisp, not mushy. You can use fresh or even thawed frozen broccoli in a pinch, though fresh tastes brightest. Broccolini or cauliflower make fun substitutions for a different twist.

Pasta

Short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or penne are ideal-spirals and tubes hold onto the dressing and chopped veggies like a dream. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta also works great if you're adjusting for dietary needs. Cook your pasta just to al dente for the best bite (nobody wants soggy noodles!).

Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry or grape tomatoes add juiciness and a burst of tangy sweetness. Slice them in half for easy eating and to release their juices into the salad. Feel free to sub in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense, savory flavor, or diced bell peppers for extra crunch and color.

Red Onion

Thinly sliced red onion packs in a mild sharpness and lovely color contrast. To tame the bite, soak your slices in cold water for a few minutes before adding to the salad. Shallots or scallions are great alternative options if you want something a little milder.

Creamy Greek Yogurt Dressing

This homemade dressing brings the salad together with its light, tangy creaminess-a blend of Greek yogurt, olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and garlic. Greek yogurt not only adds protein but gives the salad a luscious texture without heavy mayo. Feel free to swap in a vinaigrette or your favorite bottled dressing if you need a shortcut!

Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe cooking process

Instructions for Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini or pasta of your choice and cook according to package directions until just al dente. This keeps your salad bouncy and never mushy.

Blanch the Broccoli

About 2 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta. This quick blanch brightens the broccoli and makes it perfectly tender-crisp.

Drain and Cool

Drain the pasta and broccoli together in a colander. Rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool everything quickly. Shake off excess water thoroughly-the drier, the better for a perfect salad texture.

Make the Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Assemble the Salad

In a large serving bowl, combine cooked pasta and broccoli, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cheddar cheese, black olives, sunflower seeds, and parsley. Pour the dressing over and toss to coat everything evenly.

Chill and Serve

For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Right before serving, give the salad a quick toss and sprinkle with additional seeds or herbs for a fresh finish.

Recipe Variations

Make it Vegan

Swap the Greek yogurt for a vegan plain yogurt and use your favorite dairy-free cheese or simply skip the cheese altogether. The result is still creamy, tangy, and absolutely delicious!

Go Gluten-Free

Use your favorite gluten-free pasta for a salad everyone can enjoy. Chickpea pasta or brown rice pasta both work wonderfully and add extra protein.

Add More Protein

Toss in cooked chicken, chickpeas, or grilled tofu cubes to make this a heartier main dish that stays satisfying and filling.

Give It a Kick

Add a handful of diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the salad or dressing for a bold, spicy twist.

Mediterranean Vibes

Stir in crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy Mediterranean spin.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this vibrant broccoli pasta salad chilled or at room temperature alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or your favorite protein for a complete meal. It's also tasty paired with crusty bread, a cup of soup, or served atop a bed of fresh greens for extra crunch. Garnish with extra parsley, sunflower seeds, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to make the colors pop!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If it seems a little dry, just stir in a splash of lemon juice or a bit more Greek yogurt before serving. This salad is best served cold, but you can let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes if you prefer less chill. Freezing is not recommended, as the veggies and pasta texture won't hold up well after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe (FAQ)

Q: Can I make this broccoli pasta salad ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight, as the flavors meld together.

Q: What kind of pasta works best for this salad?

A: Short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, penne, or farfalle are best-they soak up dressing and mix well with the veggies.

Q: How do I prevent the salad from getting soggy?

A: Drain the pasta and broccoli thoroughly after rinsing, and don't overdress. Add any extra dressing just before serving if needed.

There you have it-the easiest, freshest, and most craveable Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe you'll ever make! It's a wholesome, flexible dish perfect for busy weeknights, easy lunches, or whenever you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and let me know how you liked it in the comments below. Don't forget to leave a rating!