Description
A vibrant and refreshing Fresh Broccoli Pasta Salad with rotini pasta, fresh broccoli, and a zesty lemon-honey dressing. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Prepare the broccoli by cutting into small florets. Blanch in boiling water for 1 minute if desired, then transfer to ice water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, broccoli florets, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and sliced black olives.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, then toss gently to coat.
- Sprinkle sunflower seeds over the top and toss once more.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Toss before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- Vegan Option: Use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Cold
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: fresh broccoli pasta salad, pasta salad, broccoli salad, vegetarian salad, easy salad recipe, summer salad, potluck salad
