Broccoli Crunch Pasta Salad Recipe

This Broccoli Crunch Pasta Salad is my go-to when I want something quick, colorful, and full of texture. The contrast between the creamy dressing and the vibrant crunch of veggies and sunflower seeds makes it a refreshingly satisfying dish for any occasion.

I enjoy preparing meals that merge good flavor and healthfulness, and my Broccoli Crunch Pasta Salad does just that. Tossing together hearty fusilli pasta, crisp broccoli florets, a mix of shredded carrots and red onion, and sunflower seeds, I make a salad that is so packed with nutrients that it deserves a new name: “health salad.” The crunchy, sweet-tangy dressing—apple cider vinegar and honey balanced with creamy mayonnaise—that I drizzle over this salad is what makes it a pasta salad and not a pasta bowl.

Broccoli Crunch Pasta Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Fusilli pasta: A great source of carbohydrates for energy.
• Broccoli florets: Packed with fiber and vitamins C and K.
• Shredded carrots: Adds sweetness and is rich in beta-carotene.
• Red onion: Provides a strong tangy flavor; contains antioxidants.
• Sunflower seeds: Adds crunch; rich in healthy fats and vitamin E.
• Dried cranberries: Sweet-tart flavor; high in antioxidants.
• Apple cider vinegar: Improves flavor with tang; may aid digestion.

Broccoli Crunch Pasta Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities

“`html

• 8 ounces fusilli pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

“`

How to Make this Broccoli Crunch Pasta Salad Recipe

1. Prepare fusilli pasta following the manufacturer’s package directions for an al dente texture.

Drain the pasta and quickly run cold water over it to stop the cooking process. Set aside the pasta to allow it to come back to room temperature before adding it to the salad.

2. As the pasta is cooking, ready the broccoli by chopping it into tiny florets. Blanch the broccoli in rapidly boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then immediately plunge into an ice bath to keep its lively color. Drain and set aside.

3. In a big mixing bowl, combine the pasta that’s been cooled, the blanched broccoli, the shredded carrots, the finely chopped red onion, the sunflower seeds, and the dried cranberries.

4. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and uniform.

5. Drizzle the dressing over the pasta combination and toss very lightly until all parts of the assembly are in a state of even coatness.

6. If necessary, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper.

7. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

8. Prior to serving, ensure the salad is given a good stir to thoroughly mix the dressing and ingredients.

9. Serve the chilled Broccoli Crunch Pasta Salad as a refreshing side dish or light main course.

10. Leave any remainders in the sealed container in the cold part of the kitchen for 3 days. Then, serve as above.

Broccoli Crunch Pasta Salad Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Colander
3. Mixing bowls (large and small)
4. Whisk
5. Cutting board
6. Knife
7. Measuring cups and spoons
8. Wooden or silicone spoon (for tossing)
9. Ice bath setup (bowl with ice and cold water)
10. Airtight container (for storing)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of pasta?Absolutely, you can use any short pasta, such as penne, rotini, or bow ties, as a substitute for fusilli.
• Is it possible to make this salad vegan?Certainly! Substitute the mayonnaise with a plant-based equivalent and replace the honey with maple syrup.
• How far in advance can I make this salad?It can be made a day ahead. Refrigerate it, and stir well before serving.
• Can I add protein to this salad?Indeed, grilled chicken, bacon, or chickpeas are wonderful proteins to add.
• What other veggies can I add?Diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes can be added for extra crunch and flavor.
• How long will leftovers last?Keep uneaten portions of food in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than three days.
• Can I substitute the sunflower seeds?Of course, you can use any seeds or nuts, such as sliced almonds, cashews, or pepitas, to achieve a similar crunch.

Broccoli Crunch Pasta Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Fusilli pasta can be exchanged for rotini or penne pasta.
Substitute cauliflower florets and or snap peas for broccoli in this recipe.
Replace red onions with green onions for a taste that’s less intense.
Change out sunflower seeds for pumpkin seeds or slivered almonds.
Using dried cranberries, try substituting with a different dried fruit. You can easily and proportionately replace dried cranberries in your diet with dried apricots or raisins.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance the Dressing Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing mix for an extra layer of flavor and a slight tang that complements the sweetness of the honey and the acidity of the apple cider vinegar.

2. Add a Crunch Toast the sunflower seeds lightly in a dry pan before adding them to the salad. This will enhance their flavor and add an extra layer of crunch to the salad.

3. Extra Brightness Consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the salad for a fresh citrus note that brightens the overall dish.

4. Protein Boost For a more filling option, include cooked and diced chicken breast or chickpeas. This addition makes the salad a more substantial main course.

5. Herbaceous Note Fresh herbs can add depth to the salad. Try adding a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil for an aromatic touch that pairs well with the existing ingredients.