Description

This Fresh Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad is a vibrant, creamy side dish featuring al dente rotini pasta, crisp-tender blanched broccoli, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tangy, slightly sweet mayonnaise-based dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing summer meal, this salad offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors with a crisp crunch from optional roasted sunflower seeds.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

12 oz rotini pasta (cooked al dente according to package directions)
4 cups fresh broccoli florets (bite-sized)
1/2 cup red onion (finely diced)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (cubed or shredded)
1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds (optional, for crunch)

Dressing Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise (good quality)
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground, or to taste)

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook rotini pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.
Blanch Broccoli: While pasta cooks, bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes, or until bright green and crisp-tender. Immediately drain and plunge into an ice bath for 1-2 minutes to stop cooking and retain color. Drain thoroughly and pat dry.
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, blanched broccoli, diced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, cubed cheddar cheese, and sunflower seeds if using.
Make Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Dress the Salad: Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Stir again before serving.

Notes

Blanching the broccoli helps retain its vibrant color and crisp texture.
Rinsing pasta with cold water stops the cooking process and prevents it from becoming mushy.
Adjust the amount of sugar in the dressing to your taste preference.
Roasted sunflower seeds add a nice crunchy texture but can be omitted if desired.
Make the salad a few hours ahead of time for the best flavor melding.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: broccoli cheddar pasta salad, summer pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, rotini salad, picnic salad, cheese pasta salad, broccoli salad