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 in the kitchen is preparing food for our family gatherings and neighborhood potlucks. I remember the first time I made this Cold Broccoli Pasta Salad for Potlucks. I was nervous because I wanted it to be perfect, crunchy, and creamy enough that everyone would love it. To my delight, it vanished in minutes. Since then, it has become my go-to dish whenever I need something vibrant, flavorful, and easy to transport.

This salad isn’t just a side dish it’s a conversation starter. Every bite bursts with crisp broccoli, tender pasta, sweet red peppers, and a creamy, tangy dressing that makes you smile. Over the years, I’ve tweaked this recipe countless times, and I’m excited to share my tried-and-true version with you.

Why I Love Making This Recipe

I adore making this Cold Broccoli Pasta Salad for Potlucks because it combines textures, colors, and flavors in the most comforting way. The broccoli stays crisp, the pasta absorbs just enough dressing, and the other veggies add a sweetness and freshness that balances the tangy, creamy sauce.

Beyond taste, this salad is a reminder of what cooking is about bringing people together. I often prepare this dish for my friends and family, and the joy it brings as it’s passed around the table warms my heart every time. There’s something magical about seeing everyone reach for seconds while laughing and chatting.

Another reason I love this recipe is how easy it is to make ahead. You can prepare it the day before a potluck, and it tastes even better after the flavors mingle overnight. This makes hosting stress-free and lets me enjoy the event instead of spending all my time in the kitchen.

Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets

Here’s what I use to make my perfect Cold Broccoli Pasta Salad for Potlucks:

250g (8.8 oz) rotini pasta
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Little Kitchen Secrets:

Blanch the broccoli: Boil for just 1–2 minutes and immediately transfer to ice water. This keeps it vibrant green and crunchy.
Mix the dressing separately: It ensures every ingredient is coated evenly.
Make ahead: The flavors deepen if the salad sits in the fridge for 2–4 hours.

How I Make It, Step by Step

Cook the pasta: Boil rotini in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Blanch the broccoli: Boil florets for 1–2 minutes, then plunge into ice water. Drain thoroughly.
Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss pasta, broccoli, diced bell peppers, red onion, and cheese.
Add dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently fold until everything is coated.
Garnish: Sprinkle sunflower seeds or slivered almonds on top for crunch.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving, or overnight for best flavor.

How I Serve It at Home

I love serving this Cold Broccoli Pasta Salad for Potlucks in a large, colorful bowl that matches the vibrancy of the salad itself. I often pair it with grilled chicken, veggie skewers, or fresh bread. It’s always the first dish to disappear at gatherings!

For potlucks, I transport it in a sealed container and bring a small serving bowl and spoon. A little sprinkle of extra seeds or fresh herbs on top just before serving makes it look as good as it tastes.

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make-ahead: Best prepared 2–4 hours in advance to allow flavors to blend.
Reheating: This salad is served cold. Avoid microwaving.

100-Word Short Version

This Cold Broccoli Pasta Salad for Potlucks is my go-to dish for family gatherings and community events. With tender rotini, crisp broccoli, colorful bell peppers, red onion, and a creamy, tangy dressing, it’s bursting with flavor and texture. I love tossing it with shredded cheddar and sunflower seeds for a little extra crunch. Best made ahead of time, it chills beautifully and the flavors deepen in the fridge. Serve it at your next potluck, picnic, or casual dinner, and watch it disappear fast! It’s simple, comforting, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Recipe Card Section

⏱️ Time:

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Chill: 30 mins
Total: 55 mins

🛒 Ingredients:

250g rotini pasta
2 cups broccoli florets
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp Greek yogurt
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
Salt and pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

Cook pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water.
Blanch broccoli 1–2 mins in boiling water, then ice water. Drain.
Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
Toss pasta, broccoli, peppers, onion, and cheese in a large bowl.
Pour dressing over salad, fold gently.
Sprinkle sunflower seeds on top.
Chill 30 mins or overnight.

📝 Notes:

Blanch broccoli for bright color and crunch.
Make ahead for deeper flavors.
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if desired.

🍽️ Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 280
Fat: 18g 🥑
Saturated Fat: 4g
Carbs: 24g 🍞
Fiber: 4g 🌿
Protein: 7g 🍗
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 220mg

Conclusion

Making this Cold Broccoli Pasta Salad for Potlucks brings me joy because it’s more than a recipe it’s a memory, a story, and a way to share love through food. Every crunchy bite, creamy forkful, and colorful piece is a reminder of why I cook: to connect, to comfort, and to celebrate life with those we care about. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and that it becomes a beloved dish in your family and at your next potluck!