Broccoli Pasta Salad

Bright, fresh, and irresistibly creamy, this Broccoli Pasta Salad is a deliciously hearty addition to any table. Packed with tender rotini pasta, crisp broccoli florets, juicy cherry tomatoes, and cubes of sharp cheddar cheese, this dish balances textures and bold flavors in every bite. A tangy homemade dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and garlic ties everything together, creating a zesty yet slightly sweet finish. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick weekday lunches, this pasta salad can be made ahead and served chilled or at room temperature for ultimate convenience. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s the go-to recipe for healthy, vibrant, and flavorful eating.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz short pasta (like rotini or penne)
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.5 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
• 0.25 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water with the pasta.

Step 2

Drain the pasta and broccoli together, then rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside to drain completely.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and broccoli, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and cubed cheddar cheese.

Step 4

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well emulsified.

Step 5

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat everything evenly.

Step 6

Sprinkle the salad with chopped fresh parsley and gently toss again.

Step 7

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1130 grams (1130.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1694

Total Fat 96.60g	124%
Saturated Fat 33.40g	167%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.30g
Cholesterol 120mg	40%
Sodium 2118mg	92%
Total Carbohydrate 152.60g	55%
Dietary Fiber 16.80g	60%
Total Sugars 32.90g
Protein 60.60g	121%

Vitamin D 24IU	120%
Calcium 1016mg	78%
Iron 7mg	39%
Potassium 963mg	20%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.5%

Protein: 14.1%

Carbs: 35.4%