Description
Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish combining fresh, crunchy broccoli florets with al dente pasta and creamy Caesar dressing. This refreshing and nutritious salad is perfect as a side dish, light lunch, or picnic favorite, offering a delicious balance of texture and classic Caesar flavors with minimal prep time.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cups cooked short pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle)
- 1/2 cup creamy Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the broccoli: Wash fresh broccoli and cut into bite-sized florets. Blanch in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender, then plunge immediately into an ice bath to preserve crunch and color.
- Cook the pasta: Cook your chosen short pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
- Mix the dressing and seasoning: In a large bowl, combine Caesar dressing with lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the dressing is zesty and evenly seasoned.
- Toss everything together: Add the blanched broccoli and cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently yet thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Add the finishing touches: Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and crunchy croutons to maintain texture and flavor contrast.
Notes
- Do not overcook the broccoli; blanch briefly to keep crunch and color.
- Rinse pasta completely with cold water to stop cooking and keep firm texture.
- For freshest flavor, consider making Caesar dressing from scratch.
- Toss salad gently to avoid breaking pasta or bruising broccoli.
- Add croutons just before serving to keep them crispy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg