Welcome to the Best Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe that combines the heartiness of pasta with the fresh crunch of broccoli and the tangy zing of Caesar dressing. This classic dish is loved for its simplicity and the burst of flavors in every bite. Making it at home has never been easier, and with our step-by-step guide, you’ll have a delicious salad ready to serve in no time. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a complete meal, this salad is versatile enough to please any palate, making it perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad
- Best way to make Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad at home with simple ingredients.
- Ready in only 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners.
- Perfect for meal prep; make it ahead and enjoy throughout the week.
- Fresh and nutritious with a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients for Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad
- 8 oz pasta (preferably rotini or farfalle)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dietary Swaps: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. To make it vegan, substitute the Caesar dressing and Parmesan cheese with vegan alternatives.
How to Make Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad – Step by Step
Step 1: Cooking the Pasta
- Boil pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Blanching the Broccoli
- In the same pot, blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Immediately transfer broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain thoroughly.
Step 3: Combining Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, broccoli florets, and cherry tomatoes.
Step 4: Dressing the Salad
- Drizzle Caesar dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to ensure even coating.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Best Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe – Easy and Delicious Pro Tips for Making the Best Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad
- Boil pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Can I make Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare everything ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the dressing before serving to keep the salad fresh.
- What is the secret to the best Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad? Using fresh, high-quality ingredients and letting the salad chill for a while to enhance the flavors.
Best Ways to Serve Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad
This salad is best served chilled, offering a refreshing taste. It pairs well with:
- Grilled chicken for additional protein (See our Grilled Chicken Recipe).
- Rich red wines or a chilled glass of white wine.
- Crusty bread for soaking up any leftover dressing.
Nutritional Information for Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
- Carbs: 45g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 12g
This dish is a great option for those looking for a balanced meal, combining carbs from pasta, vitamins from broccoli, and healthy fats from the dressing.
Storage & Leftovers
- How long does Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad last in the fridge? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended as it may alter the texture of the pasta and vegetables.
4 FAQs for Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad
- Can I freeze Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad?
- It’s not ideal to freeze, as freezing can affect the texture of the pasta and vegetables.
- What can I use instead of Caesar dressing in Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad?
- Try lemon vinaigrette or a light Italian dressing for a new twist.
- Can I add protein to this recipe?
- Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas work well.
- What is the best pasta for Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad?
- Short, textured pasta like rotini or farfalle holds the dressing well.
Related Recipes for Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad
- Short, textured pasta like rotini or farfalle holds the dressing well.
- Can I freeze Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad?
Best Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 4 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and healthy pasta salad featuring broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy Caesar dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (preferably rotini or farfalle)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions in a large pot of boiling salted water. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In the same pot, blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain again and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, broccoli florets, and cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving.
- Feel free to add additional vegetables or protein as desired.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing and blanching
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Pasta Salad, Broccoli, Caesar Salad, Healthy Recipes
