Broccoli Pasta Salad
A vibrant and creamy broccoli pasta salad featuring fresh vegetables, Italian herbs, and a tangy dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil spaghetti until al dente, then rinse and drain.
- In a large container, toss the cooked spaghetti with 1/2 cup Wish-Bone dressing.
- Cook Skroodles noodles according to package instructions, then drain and rinse.
- Add the cooked Skroodles to the spaghetti and Wish-Bone dressing mixture.
- Stir in sour cream, mayonnaise, Italian herbs, chopped broccoli, chopped celery, chopped onion, chopped pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with ripe olives and cherry tomatoes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also swap out the broccoli for other vegetables like peas or bell peppers to match your taste. If you want a bit of crunch, add some toasted pine nuts or walnuts. Adjust the level of Wish-Bone dressing based on your preference for tanginess. This salad is a versatile addition to any summer gathering.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli Pasta Salad pairs beautifully with Best Garlic Bread for a satisfying meal. You can serve it as a side dish at barbecues or potlucks, or enjoy it as a light lunch. For a more complete meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp on top. It also goes well with Italian recipes featuring robust flavors like Melissa's Tortellini With Vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave, adding a splash of water or additional dressing to prevent drying out. This pasta salad is best served chilled, so you may prefer to enjoy it cold after storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Pasta Salad contains roughly 486 calories, with 13g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value), protein (26% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 642mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad a day in advance. Just mix all the ingredients together and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. However, if you’re adding garnishes like olives or tomatoes, consider adding them just before serving to keep them fresh.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta or any gluten-free noodle option in place of regular spaghetti. Just make sure to check the dressing and mayonnaise for gluten-free labels to ensure the dish remains gluten-free.
How can I make this salad lighter?
To lighten this recipe, use reduced-fat mayonnaise and sour cream. You can also increase the amount of vegetables, such as adding more chopped peppers or celery, to boost the volume without adding many calories. A squeeze of lemon juice can also enhance flavor without extra calories.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).