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 kitchen memories is sitting around the table with my family during a sunny summer afternoon. My sister had brought over a fresh bundle of broccoli from her garden, and I knew immediately I wanted to create something simple, colorful, and full of flavor. That’s when the idea of this Broccoli Pasta Salad with Red Onion and Feta came to life. It’s fresh, crunchy, creamy, and the perfect side dish for picnics, barbecues, or even a cozy lunch at home.
This salad has become a staple in my kitchen, not only because it tastes amazing, but because it brings everyone together. I’ve made it countless times, tweaking it just slightly each time to make it perfectly balanced. Today, I’m excited to share it with you so you can enjoy the same warmth and love I feel every time I serve it.
In this recipe, we’ll use broccoli florets for crunch, red onion for a gentle bite, and creamy feta to bring everything together. Tossed with al dente pasta and a light, zesty dressing, it’s a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome. You’ll find yourself making it again and again.
Why I Love Making This Broccoli Pasta Salad
There’s something so comforting about chopping fresh vegetables and tossing them together in a big bowl. I love how the vibrant green of the broccoli pops against the pale pasta and creamy white feta. The red onion adds just the right hint of sharpness, balancing the creaminess of the cheese.
What really makes this salad special to me is its versatility. I often make it for lunchboxes, potlucks, or casual dinners. Sometimes I add extra herbs like parsley or mint, depending on what’s in my fridge. Every time I make it, I feel like I’m sharing a little piece of joy with my family.
Another reason I love it is how simple it is. Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor. It’s one of those recipes that never fails, even if I’m rushed or cooking for a crowd.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s everything you need for a flavorful broccoli pasta salad. I always recommend using fresh, firm broccoli for the best crunch. For the feta, a good-quality block will crumble beautifully and melt slightly when tossed with warm pasta.
Ingredients:
- 250g pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle work beautifully)
- 300g fresh broccoli florets
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 150g feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Little Kitchen Secrets:
- Blanch the broccoli for just 2 minutes in boiling water, then shock it in ice water to keep it bright and crunchy.
- For extra flavor, toast the pasta lightly in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes before boiling it adds a nutty depth.
- Mix the dressing while the pasta is still slightly warm; it helps the flavors coat every bite perfectly.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking and retain their vibrant green color. Drain and pat dry.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create a zesty dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, blanched broccoli, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring every piece of broccoli and pasta is coated with the tangy, creamy dressing.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving this Broccoli Pasta Salad with Red Onion and Feta chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish, or even as a main course for a light, refreshing lunch. I often make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week it stays crisp and flavorful when stored properly.
I like to present it in a large, shallow bowl so the colors and textures really shine. A drizzle of extra olive oil on top just before serving adds that final touch of shine and richness.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the pasta and broccoli ahead of time, then toss with the dressing and feta just before serving to keep it fresh and crunchy.
100-Word Short Version
This Broccoli Pasta Salad with Red Onion and Feta is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for family meals or gatherings. Al dente pasta, crunchy broccoli, tangy red onion, and creamy feta combine with a simple lemon-Dijon dressing to create a refreshing and satisfying salad. Blanch broccoli for crunch, toss ingredients with the zesty dressing, and garnish with parsley for a beautiful presentation. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side or light main. Quick, easy, and full of love, this salad brings color, flavor, and joy to your table, making it a kitchen favorite for every occasion.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
🛒 Ingredients <ul> <li>250g pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)</li> <li>300g fresh broccoli florets</li> <li>1 small red onion, thinly sliced</li> <li>150g feta cheese, crumbled</li> <li>2 tablespoons olive oil</li> <li>1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)</li> <li>1 teaspoon Dijon mustard</li> <li>1 clove garlic, minced</li> <li>Salt and pepper, to taste</li> <li>Optional: fresh parsley for garnish</li> </ul>
👩🍳 Instructions <ol> <li>Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.</li> <li>Blanch broccoli in boiling water for 2 minutes, then transfer to ice water. Drain and pat dry.</li> <li>Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper for dressing.</li> <li>Combine pasta, broccoli, red onion, and feta in a large bowl.</li> <li>Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to combine.</li> <li>Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve chilled or at room temperature.</li> </ol>
📝 Notes
- Blanch broccoli briefly to maintain crunch.
- Use good-quality feta for creaminess.
- Toss with dressing while pasta is warm for better flavor absorption.
- Store in fridge up to 3 days; best served cold or at room temp.
🍽️ Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 220
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 8g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 310mg
Broccoli Pasta Salad with Red Onion and Feta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling, Blanching
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Broccoli Pasta Salad with Red Onion and Feta is a refreshing, flavorful dish perfect for family meals or gatherings. Al dente pasta, crunchy broccoli, tangy red onion, and creamy feta combine with a zesty lemon-Dijon dressing for a salad that’s quick, easy, and full of love.
Ingredients
- 250g pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- 300g fresh broccoli florets
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 150g feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Blanch broccoli in boiling water for 2 minutes, then transfer to ice water. Drain and pat dry.
- Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper for dressing.
- Combine pasta, broccoli, red onion, and feta in a large bowl.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to combine.
- Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Blanch broccoli briefly to maintain crunch. Use good-quality feta for creaminess. Toss with dressing while pasta is warm for better flavor absorption. Store in fridge up to 3 days; best served cold or at room temp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Conclusion
Every time I make this Broccoli Pasta Salad with Red Onion and Feta, I’m reminded that cooking isn’t just about ingredients it’s about creating memories. From chopping the broccoli to mixing the creamy feta and zesty dressing, every step is an opportunity to share love with family and friends. This salad has become a little tradition in my kitchen, bringing color, flavor, and joy to the table. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes a staple in your home, creating memories one bite at a time.