Description
This Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad is creamy, comforting, and full of fresh flavor. Tender pasta meets crisp broccoli and sharp cheddar in a smooth homemade dressing that brings everything together beautifully. Perfect for family meals, gatherings, or make-ahead lunches.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz short pasta (penne or rotini)
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 3/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just tender. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes, then transfer immediately to cold water. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the pasta to the bowl while still slightly warm and stir gently to coat.
- Fold in the broccoli and grated cheddar cheese.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of paprika or a spoon of Dijon mustard. This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If it thickens, stir in a little milk or yogurt before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
