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Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad

Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad
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Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad is a fresh and creamy twist on the classic Caesar salad, combining crisp broccoli florets, tender pasta, and a tangy homemade Caesar dressing. Perfect as a side or main dish, it delivers a delightful balance of crunchy, savory, and creamy textures, making it ideal for gatherings, lunches, or weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 cup croutons
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping

Dressing

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ⅓ cup Caesar dressing base (homemade or store-bought)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down for the salad.
  2. Prepare the broccoli: While the pasta cooks, wash the broccoli and chop into bite-sized florets. Optionally, blanch for 1-2 minutes in boiling water then shock in ice water to keep the bright green color and achieve a tender-crisp texture.
  3. Make the Caesar dressing: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Caesar dressing base ingredients. Adjust seasoning to achieve a creamy and balanced flavor.
  4. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, broccoli florets, and dressing until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Add final toppings: Sprinkle croutons and extra Parmesan over the top right before serving for added crunch and flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli and quality Parmesan make a noticeable difference in flavor.
  • Don’t overdress: Add dressing gradually and toss lightly to avoid a soggy salad.
  • Chill before serving: Let the salad sit for 30 minutes in the fridge to enhance flavor melding.
  • Crunch matters: Adding croutons just before serving keeps their crispy texture intact.
  • Adjust acidity: Taste and add lemon juice little by little for the perfect tanginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad, Caesar pasta salad, broccoli pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, summer salad, potluck salad

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/broccoli-caesar-pasta-salad/