Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
One of my fondest memories is sitting at my grandmother’s kitchen table, eating bowls of fresh pasta salad she whipped up in minutes. I can still remember the creamy dressing, the crunch of fresh vegetables, and how every bite made me feel cozy and loved. That memory inspired me to create my own version: Healthy Broccoli Pasta Salad with Yogurt Dressing. This salad is a vibrant, creamy, and wholesome dish that I make whenever I need a light, refreshing meal that also nourishes my body and soul. Whether I’m serving it for lunch, a potluck, or a family dinner, it always disappears fast and that’s exactly what I love about it.
I first tried combining tender broccoli with whole wheat pasta and a tangy yogurt dressing one afternoon when I wanted something healthy yet satisfying. From that first bite, I was hooked! Since then, this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. Today, I want to share it with you so you can enjoy a comforting, flavorful dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
There’s something about a pasta salad that just makes me smile. I love that Healthy Broccoli Pasta Salad with Yogurt Dressing is both wholesome and indulgent. The broccoli stays bright and slightly crisp, the pasta is perfectly al dente, and the yogurt dressing brings everything together with a creamy, tangy punch. It’s one of those recipes that doesn’t just fill your belly it lifts your mood.
I also love that this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can throw in extra veggies, add herbs, or even toss in some cooked chicken for protein. I often make it on Sunday evenings and store it in the fridge for a few days. Each time I open the container, the smell of fresh herbs and yogurt brings me right back to my grandmother’s kitchen. That’s the magic of cooking: food isn’t just flavor, it’s memory, love, and connection.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what you’ll need for this comforting, healthy pasta salad:
- 250g whole wheat or your favorite pasta
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets
- 1 medium carrot, shredded
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt (or plain yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds or walnuts (optional, for crunch)
Little kitchen secrets:
- Blanch broccoli in boiling water for 2 minutes, then shock in ice water to keep it bright green and crisp.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy mayo for a healthier, tangy dressing.
- Add a sprinkle of seeds or nuts for texture it makes every bite more satisfying.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and keep the pasta from sticking.
- Blanch the broccoli for 2 minutes in boiling water, then transfer immediately to a bowl of ice water to keep it vibrant and crisp. Drain well.
- Prepare the dressing by combining Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Combine vegetables and pasta in a large mixing bowl: broccoli, shredded carrot, red bell pepper, red onion, and cooked pasta.
- Add the dressing to the pasta and vegetables. Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Add herbs and crunch by sprinkling fresh parsley and sunflower seeds or walnuts over the salad. Give it one final toss.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon if needed.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving this pasta salad chilled, straight from the fridge, with a sprinkle of extra parsley on top. Sometimes I pair it with grilled chicken, baked fish, or even a soft-boiled egg for a complete meal. It’s perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner.
If I’m making it for guests, I like to transfer it into a large glass bowl so the colors pop, and everyone can see the bright greens, oranges, and reds. Presentation matters it makes the dish feel festive and inviting.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the pasta and dressing ahead of time. Combine them just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
- Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so no reheating needed. If you like a slightly warmer salad, bring it to room temperature before serving.
100-Word Short Version
This Healthy Broccoli Pasta Salad with Yogurt Dressing is a colorful, creamy, and nutritious meal perfect for any occasion. Tender broccoli florets, crisp red bell peppers, shredded carrot, and whole wheat pasta are coated in a tangy yogurt dressing with hints of honey, garlic, and Dijon mustard. Fresh parsley and crunchy sunflower seeds finish the salad beautifully. It’s quick to prepare, make-ahead friendly, and endlessly versatile. I love serving it chilled for lunch, dinner, or picnics. Every bite is vibrant, satisfying, and full of wholesome flavor — a recipe that brings comfort, health, and joy to your table.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 10 min
- Cook: 10 min
- Total: 20 min
🛒 Ingredients <ul> <li>250g whole wheat pasta</li> <li>1 large head of broccoli, florets</li> <li>1 medium carrot, shredded</li> <li>1/2 red bell pepper, diced</li> <li>1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped</li> <li>3 tbsp Greek yogurt</li> <li>1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)</li> <li>1 tsp Dijon mustard</li> <li>1 tsp honey</li> <li>1 tbsp lemon juice</li> <li>1 garlic clove, minced</li> <li>Salt & pepper, to taste</li> <li>2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped</li> <li>2 tbsp sunflower seeds or walnuts (optional)</li> </ul>
👩🍳 Instructions <ol> <li>Cook pasta, drain, rinse under cold water.</li> <li>Blanch broccoli for 2 min, shock in ice water, drain.</li> <li>Mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard, honey, lemon, garlic, salt & pepper for dressing.</li> <li>Combine pasta and vegetables in a bowl.</li> <li>Toss with dressing until evenly coated.</li> <li>Add parsley and seeds or nuts, toss gently.</li> <li>Adjust seasoning and serve chilled.</li> </ol>
📝 Notes
- Blanch broccoli to retain color and crunch.
- Greek yogurt keeps the dressing light and tangy.
- Add extra nuts or seeds for texture.
- Make ahead and store in the fridge up to 3 days.
🍽️ Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 cup 🍽️ Calories: 210 kcal 🍴 Fat: 6g 🥗 Saturated Fat: 1g 🌾 Carbohydrates: 32g 🍯 Sugar: 5g 🥬 Fiber: 5g 🥩 Protein: 8g ⚡ Sodium: 180mg
Healthy Broccoli Pasta Salad with Yogurt Dressing
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Healthy Broccoli Pasta Salad with Yogurt Dressing is a colorful, creamy, and nutritious dish perfect for any meal. Tender broccoli, whole wheat pasta, shredded carrot, and crisp bell peppers are tossed in a tangy yogurt dressing with honey, garlic, and Dijon mustard. Fresh parsley and crunchy seeds add texture, making every bite wholesome and delicious. Quick, easy, and make-ahead friendly, this salad is ideal for lunch, dinner, or potlucks, bringing comfort, health, and joy to your table.
Ingredients
- 250g whole wheat pasta
- 1 large head of broccoli, florets
- 1 medium carrot, shredded
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp sunflower seeds or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta, drain, rinse under cold water.
- Blanch broccoli for 2 min, shock in ice water, drain.
- Mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard, honey, lemon, garlic, salt & pepper for dressing.
- Combine pasta and vegetables in a bowl.
- Toss with dressing until evenly coated.
- Add parsley and seeds or nuts, toss gently.
- Adjust seasoning and serve chilled.
Notes
Blanch broccoli to retain color and crunch. Greek yogurt keeps the dressing light and tangy. Add extra nuts or seeds for texture. Make ahead and store in the fridge up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Conclusion
I hope this recipe brings the same joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. Healthy Broccoli Pasta Salad with Yogurt Dressing is more than a salad it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients, simple flavors, and the love you pour into your cooking. Every bite is a reminder that food connects us, nurtures us, and creates memories. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your loved ones. Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated it just has to come from the heart. Enjoy, and happy cooking!