Fresh Broccoli Pasta Salad | Easy Healthy Side Dish Recipe
Brighten your plate! This easy, healthy Fresh Broccoli Pasta Salad marries tender-crisp blanched broccoli with pasta in a zesty lemon-yogurt dressing. Find full instructions and nutrition here.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (about 2 cups dry) short pasta (e.g., rotini or fusilli)
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, prepare the broccoli. Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 1-2 minutes until they are vibrant green and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer the blanched broccoli to an ice bath to stop the cooking, then drain thoroughly.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, blanched broccoli florets, finely diced red onion, and sunflower seeds.
- Step 5: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Step 6: Serve the pasta salad immediately, or for best results and to allow flavors to meld, cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Keep any leftover pasta salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its fresh taste and texture, giving it a gentle stir before serving.
- This delightful pasta salad is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature; please avoid reheating, as it can compromise the creamy texture of the dressing and the crispness of your blanched broccoli.
- Perfect as a light, refreshing lunch on its own, this versatile salad also shines as a vibrant side dish alongside grilled chicken, baked fish, or any casual outdoor gathering.
- For the most harmonious flavors, resist the urge to serve immediately and allow your finished salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes; this magical resting time lets the bright lemon-yogurt dressing truly meld with the pasta and vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 250
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 1g