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- Fresh Broccoli and Other Veggies - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/4 cup black olives, sliced - Pasta Selection - 2 cups rotini pasta - Dressing Components - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional Toppings and Garnishes - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup sunflower seeds - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish When choosing your ingredients, always go for the freshest options. Fresh broccoli adds a nice crunch and bright color. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness, while red bell pepper and onion give a zesty kick. The rotini pasta holds the dressing well, making every bite tasty. The feta cheese adds creaminess, while sunflower seeds offer a satisfying crunch. Feel free to play with the ingredients! You could swap the olives for capers or use a different cheese. Each choice can change the flavor and add your own twist. This salad is not just colorful; it’s also packed with nutrients. You get vitamins from the veggies and healthy fats from the olive oil. Enjoy making this salad your own! To start, boil a large pot of water. Add salt to the water for flavor. Next, add 2 cups of rotini pasta. Cook it until it’s just right, which is called al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. The pasta should still have a slight bite to it. When done, drain the pasta in a colander. Then, rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down for your salad. While the pasta cooks, you can prep the broccoli. Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Blanch them for about 2 minutes. This means cooking them briefly in hot water. After 2 minutes, quickly move the broccoli to an ice bath. An ice bath is cold water with ice. This helps keep the bright green color and crisp texture. After a few minutes, drain the broccoli and set it aside. Now, it’s time for the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix it well until all the ingredients combine. If you want more flavor, taste it and adjust the seasoning. You can add more lemon juice or salt if needed. In a large bowl, mix together the cooled pasta, blanched broccoli, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of diced red bell pepper, 1/2 cup of finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup of sliced black olives. Add 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese next. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, then toss everything gently. Make sure all ingredients are coated well. To finish, sprinkle 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds on top for extra crunch. Toss lightly again to mix. - Suggestions for Additional Spices: To amp up the taste, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. This will give your salad a nice kick. You can also mix in some Italian herbs like oregano or basil for a fresh flavor. A dash of smoked paprika adds depth too. - How to Make it Creamier: Want a creamier salad? Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to your dressing. This change will give the salad a rich texture. You can also swap feta cheese for cream cheese, which will add creaminess as well. - Creative Serving Suggestions: Serve your salad in a large clear bowl. This way, all the colors pop! You can also use mason jars for single servings. They look cute and are easy to grab. - Using Colorful Bowls for Display: Bright bowls make your dish more appealing. Choose bowls that match your theme. A vibrant blue or green bowl can make the salad look fresh and fun. - Gluten-Free Options: If you need a gluten-free dish, swap rotini pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. - Low-Calorie Adjustments: To lower calories, cut back on the olive oil. You can replace it with a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar for flavor without extra calories. Using less cheese or opting for a light cheese can also help. {{image_2}} Alternative Grains or Pasta Types You can swap rotini for other pasta shapes. Try penne or farfalle for fun. If you want a gluten-free option, use quinoa or brown rice. Both add great texture and flavor. Other Veggies to Include Feel free to mix in other veggies. Carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers add crunch and color. You can also try corn or peas for a sweet touch. The goal is to keep it fresh and bright. Different Dressings to Try While the lemon dressing is tasty, you can switch it up. A balsamic vinaigrette brings a rich depth. You can also try a creamy ranch or a zesty Italian dressing. Each one gives the dish a new twist. Adding Protein Options To make the salad heartier, add protein. Chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas work well. You can even toss in some bacon bits for a savory crunch. This adds flavor and makes it more filling. Spring/Summer Additions In spring and summer, fresh herbs shine. Add basil, dill, or mint for a bright taste. You can also include seasonal veggies like asparagus or snap peas. These additions keep your salad light and fresh. Fall/Winter Adaptations For fall and winter, consider roasted veggies. Roasted squash or sweet potatoes add warmth. You can also use kale instead of broccoli for a hearty twist. These changes make the salad cozy for colder days. To keep your fresh broccoli pasta salad tasty, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers that seal well work great. Make sure to cool the salad before sealing it. This helps keep it fresh. To keep the salad crunchy, store the dressing separately. This way, you avoid soggy pasta and veggies. When you are ready to eat, just mix in the dressing. Can You Freeze Broccoli Pasta Salad? I do not recommend freezing broccoli pasta salad. The texture will change. The broccoli can become mushy, and the pasta may lose its bite. Tips for Defrosting If you do freeze it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This helps it defrost slowly and safely. Once thawed, mix in some fresh veggies to restore crunch. How Long It Lasts in the Fridge Your salad can last up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. Signs of Spoilage Check for any off smells or slimy textures. If you see any mold, throw it away immediately. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Use rotini pasta for this salad. Its spirals hold the dressing well. Other good choices are fusilli or farfalle. These shapes add fun texture. They mix easily with veggies. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. It saves time and is convenient. The pros are you don’t need to wash or cut it. Just thaw and add. The cons are it may lose some crunch. Fresh broccoli gives a better bite. To make this salad vegan, swap feta cheese for tofu. Use a plant-based feta for flavor. You can also skip it altogether. Replace the dressing with a mix of olive oil and vinegar. This keeps it light and tasty. Yes, this recipe works great for meal prep. Make it ahead and store in the fridge. It stays fresh for a few days. Just keep the sunflower seeds separate until serving. This keeps them crunchy. Absolutely! Chicken works well in this salad. You can also use chickpeas for a plant-based protein. Cooked shrimp is another tasty option. Just mix in the protein of your choice for a filling meal. This blog post showed you how to make a tasty broccoli pasta salad. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to boost flavor. You learned about storage and variations to keep things fresh. In the end, this dish is all about fun, flavor, and creativity. It's perfect for gatherings or meal prep. Enjoy trying different ingredients and make it your own!

Fresh Broccoli Pasta Salad

Brighten up your mealtime with this Colorful Crunchy Broccoli Pasta Salad! Packed with vibrant veggies, feta, and a zesty dressing, this refreshing dish is perfect for gatherings or a quick healthy meal. In just 15 minutes of prep, you can serve up a delightful salad that’s as tasty as it is beautiful. Ready to impress your friends and family? Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this colorful salad to your table!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups rotini pasta

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup black olives, sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

    Blanch the Broccoli: While the pasta is cooking, bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for about 2 minutes, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.

      Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

        Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, blanched broccoli, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese.

          Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently until all ingredients are well coated.

            Add Crunch: Sprinkle the sunflower seeds on top for an added crunch and toss lightly.

              Garnish and Chill: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | Serves 6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large clear bowl to showcase the vibrant colors, and top with additional sunflower seeds and parsley for an attractive finish.