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 absolute favorite recipes is Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad. I remember the first time I made it I had a bunch of fresh broccoli in the fridge and leftover cheddar that needed using. I tossed it with pasta, added a little creamy dressing, and before I knew it, my kitchen smelled like pure comfort. That first bite reminded me why I love cooking: simple ingredients can create something magical. This recipe has become a staple at family gatherings, picnic baskets, and even midweek dinners because it’s hearty, fresh, and full of cheesy goodness. Today, I want to share this recipe with you so you can make it a family favorite too.

The Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad combines tender pasta, crisp-tender broccoli, and shredded cheddar with a creamy dressing that’s slightly tangy and totally irresistible. It’s perfect for busy days, lunchboxes, or as a side dish for your favorite main meals. I promise it’s simple, comforting, and absolutely heartwarming.

Why I Love Making This Recipe

What I love most about this salad is its versatility. I can make it ahead for busy weeknights, or bring it to a potluck, and it’s always a hit. The cheddar melts slightly into the warm pasta, creating little pockets of cheesy delight, while the broccoli keeps each bite fresh and satisfying. The dressing is creamy but light enough to let the flavors shine. Plus, it’s a recipe that my kids actually request, which is always a win in my kitchen! This pasta salad isn’t just food; it’s a little hug on a plate, a way to bring everyone together around the table.

Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets

Here’s what you’ll need for this cozy salad:

300g fusilli or elbow pasta
250g fresh broccoli florets
200g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
150g cherry tomatoes, halved
3 green onions, finely sliced
150g mayonnaise
100g Greek yogurt
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: a handful of toasted almonds or walnuts for crunch

Little Kitchen Secrets:

Blanching the broccoli for just 2 minutes keeps it bright green and tender-crisp.
Grate the cheddar yourself pre-shredded cheese can sometimes be coated with starch, which affects creaminess.
Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving; the flavors marry beautifully over time.

How I Make It, Step by Step

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
While the pasta cooks, bring a small pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 2 minutes. Drain and immediately plunge into ice water to keep the vibrant green color.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Add the drained pasta and blanched broccoli to the bowl and gently toss to coat with the dressing.
Fold in the shredded cheddar, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced green onions. Mix lightly you don’t want to break up the broccoli or squash the tomatoes.
Optional: sprinkle toasted almonds or walnuts for extra texture.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.

How I Serve It at Home

I love serving this salad as a side to grilled chicken, fish, or even as part of a picnic spread. Sometimes I plate it in a big serving bowl with extra cheese on top and watch everyone dig in happily. Leftovers? No worries this salad tastes just as good the next day, and the flavors deepen beautifully overnight.

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the salad a few hours in advance or even the night before. Just add the cheese at the last minute to keep it fresh.
Reheating: I usually enjoy it cold, but if you prefer warm, microwave for 30–60 seconds and stir gently.

100-Word Short Version

Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad is a cozy, cheesy, and vibrant dish perfect for family meals or potlucks. Blanched broccoli, tender pasta, cherry tomatoes, and sharp cheddar meet a creamy, tangy dressing made with mayo, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Toss everything gently, let it chill for at least 30 minutes, and enjoy a fresh, flavorful salad that keeps everyone coming back for more. Add nuts for crunch and serve alongside your favorite mains. It’s simple, comforting, and heartwarming a true hug in a bowl that brings loved ones together.

Recipe Card Section

⏱️ Time

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 10 min
Total: 25 min

🛒 Ingredients <ul> <li>300g fusilli or elbow pasta</li> <li>250g fresh broccoli florets</li> <li>200g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded</li> <li>150g cherry tomatoes, halved</li> <li>3 green onions, finely sliced</li> <li>150g mayonnaise</li> <li>100g Greek yogurt</li> <li>1 tbsp Dijon mustard</li> <li>1 tbsp apple cider vinegar</li> <li>1 tsp garlic powder</li> <li>Salt and black pepper to taste</li> <li>Optional: a handful of toasted almonds or walnuts</li> </ul>

👩‍🍳 Instructions <ol> <li>Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.</li> <li>Blanch broccoli for 2 minutes, then cool in ice water.</li> <li>Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.</li> <li>Toss pasta and broccoli with the dressing.</li> <li>Fold in cheddar, tomatoes, and green onions.</li> <li>Optional: sprinkle toasted nuts for crunch.</li> <li>Chill 30 minutes before serving.</li> </ol>

📝 Notes

Make ahead: salad tastes best after 30 minutes chilling.
Cheese: grate your own for best texture.
Nuts: optional for crunch.

🍽️ Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Carbs: 26g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 12g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 320mg

Conclusion

Making Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad has become a small ritual of love in my kitchen. I love watching family and friends enjoy this dish, sharing stories over every bite. It’s simple, comforting, and full of warmth a reminder that cooking isn’t just about feeding people, it’s about creating moments together. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your home as it has to mine. Remember, every meal you make is a chance to make memories, and this salad is the perfect place to start.