Easy Broccoli Pasta Salad (No Mayo!)
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This easy Broccoli Pasta Salad is perfect for the upcoming picnic season and makes a great make-and-take lunch idea. Made with fresh broccoli and other vegetables, it makes for a colorful side dish or meal!
I love making this on Sundays and then having it as a side dish and lunch. Filled with fresh vegetables, it is also a great use of items from the farmers market.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect side dish: This broccoli pasta salad is ideal for any summer picnic or family gathering.
- Fresh vegetables: Enjoy the crispness of raw broccoli and the vibrant colors of red onion, bell pepper, and corn.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and a quick cooking process, this dish comes together effortlessly.
- Versatile: Customize the recipe with different pasta shapes, like rotini pasta, or add ingredients like sunflower seeds or smoky bacon for extra flavor.
Like my Sundried Tomatoes Pasta salad, my Pasta Salad with Olive Garden Dressing and my Dill Pasta Salad, this cold pasta salad is a refreshing dish that works for side dishes, barbecues and picnics at the beach.
Ingredients for broccoli salad
- Bunches of broccoli florets washed and chopped
- Bell pepper chopped
- Canned corn
- Bow-tie pasta
- Minced garlic
- Red onion chopped
- Italian salad dressing
- Pepper
- Salt
How to make crunchy broccoli salad
Cook pasta per package directions and drain.
While pasta cooks, combine broccoli, onion, bell peppers, garlic, and corn.
Add Italian salad dressing, salt, and pepper, and toss gently.
If you like, you can top with some shredded Parmesan cheese.
I love how the fresh vegetables complement the pasta nicely. You can also change up the salad dressing and use a nice balsamic vinaigrette dressing in place of the Italian dressing for a change of flavors.
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This is also a great recipe to pack up and take to work or school. Easily packable as part of a meal planning schedule too!
Substitutions and Variations
- Pasta: Swap bow-tie pasta for rotini pasta or any other pasta shapes you prefer.
- Dressing: For a different twist, use a creamy dressing like ranch or a homemade dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar.
- Add-ins: Enhance the flavor by adding cubes of cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted broccoli. For a protein boost, add some grilled chicken or smoky bacon.
- Cheese: Substitute shredded Parmesan cheese with cheddar cheese or creamy feta cheese for a different taste.
FAQs About This Recipe
Yes, you can prepare this broccoli pasta salad recipe the day before. Store it in the refrigerator in a covered bowl, and give it a good stir before serving.
This dish pairs well with grilled meats at a summer barbecue or as a main dish with some crusty bread. It’s also a great way to round out a meal with a chicken recipe or a potato salad.
This recipe can be adapted for those on a calorie diet by using whole grain or grain-free pasta and a light Italian salad dressing. Always check the available nutrient data for personal needs.
Yes, this easy pasta salad recipe can be made vegan by using a dairy-free dressing and omitting the Parmesan cheese. Nutritional yeast is a great way to add a cheesy flavor without using actual cheese.
Feel free to add any vegetables you like. Red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or even crunchy sunflower seeds can enhance the flavor and texture of this delicious pasta salad.
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 2–3 days for the freshest taste.
Pasta salads make a great summer side dish and can also be a refreshing summer meal. Try my Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad , my Cold Penne Pasta salad or my Pasta Salad with Dill Weed for a new pasta salad idea.
Like my Sundried Tomatoes Pasta Salad, my Pasta Salad with Olive Garden Dressing, my Dill Pasta Salad, my Chicken Macaroni Pasta Salad, and my Dill Pickle Pasta Salad, this cold pasta salad is a refreshing dish that works for side dishes, barbecues and picnics at the beach.
Tips for the Best Results
- Cook pasta al dente: Make sure to cook pasta according to package directions in a large pot of lightly salted, boiling water. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- Fresh ingredients: Use crisp, fresh broccoli florets and other fresh veggies to maintain the salad’s crunch and flavor.
- Mix well: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta and vegetables with the Italian salad dressing, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Marinate: Allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together..
Time Saving Tips
- Use bagged broccoli florets — pre-cut and ready to go, just give them a quick rinse.
- Buy pre-minced garlic in a jar — works perfectly here and skips the peeling and chopping.
- Use canned or frozen (thawed) corn — no cooking needed, just drain and add.
- Cook pasta ahead — boil and refrigerate a day before, then assemble when ready.
- Pre-chop your veggies the night before and store in a zip-lock bag in the fridge.
More Pasta Salad recipes
Easy Broccoli Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 bunches of broccoli florets washed and chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper chopped
- 1/2 cup of canned corn
- 8 oz. bow-tie pasta
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1/4 cup red onion chopped
- 1/4 cup Italian salad dressing
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook pasta per package directions in salted boiling water. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- While pasta cooks, combine broccoli florets, red onion, bell pepper, garlic, and corn in a large bowl.
- Add Italian dressing, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
- Top with shredded Parmesan if desired. Refrigerate 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta — al dente holds up much better in a cold salad and won’t get mushy after sitting in the fridge.
- Rinse pasta with cold water after draining to stop the cooking and cool it down fast before mixing.
- Chop broccoli small — bite-sized florets mix better with the pasta and are easier to eat.
- Taste before serving — cold salads often need an extra pinch of salt or a drizzle more dressing after chilling.
- Add more dressing before serving if the salad has been sitting — pasta absorbs dressing as it sits.
Nutrition
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I love a good pasta salad. It’s forever been one of my favorite party dishes. And broccoli is my favorite vegetable!
Thanks Tamara! Pasta salads re the best!
One of my favorite pasta salads. This looks so good and reminds me of summer. Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday!
Thank you Jenny!
Oh this looks yummy and has me itching for summer dinners alfresco. Pinned 🙂 Thank you for sharing your recipe with us at the Talk Of The Town party!
Thanks Marie!
Thank you Marie!
This is going to be great for summer parties. Thanks for sharing at #HomeMattersParty
Thanks Donna!
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe! Will surely have this again! It’s really easy to make and it tasted so delicious! Highly recommended!
This made such a great salad for our picnic! Thanks for sharing it.