Description
This Healthy Spring Broccoli Pasta Salad is a fresh, creamy, and colorful easy recipe that works perfectly for a quick lunch, healthy snack, light dinner, or simple side dish. Packed with tender rotini, crisp broccoli, dried cranberries, cheddar, and a tangy creamy dressing, it is one of my favorite food ideas for spring gatherings, easy dinner plans, and make-ahead meal prep.
Ingredients
2 cups rotini pasta
3 cups broccoli florets
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup finely diced red onion
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly with cool water.
2. Cut the broccoli into small florets. For a slightly softer texture, blanch them for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then rinse with cold water and drain well.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli, dried cranberries, red onion, cheddar cheese, and sunflower seeds.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
6. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not overcook the pasta, or the salad can turn soft and heavy instead of fresh and springy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boil
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 18mg
Keywords: healthy spring broccoli pasta salad, broccoli pasta salad, easy recipe, quick lunch, healthy snack, light dinner, food ideas, spring side dish