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.
I remember the first time I made Creamy Broccoli Pasta Salad. It was a sunny Sunday afternoon, and I wanted something fresh, simple, and satisfying to bring to a small family picnic. I had a little basket of broccoli, a pack of pasta, and a jar of creamy dressing that my friend had recommended. As I tossed everything together, I realized that this wasn’t just a salad it was a dish that could make people pause, smile, and take a moment to enjoy each other’s company. Since then, it has become a staple in my home whenever I want comfort, freshness, and a little bit of love in every bite.
The beauty of Creamy Broccoli Pasta Salad is how versatile it is. I’ve made it for quick weeknight dinners, lunchboxes for the kids, and even potlucks with friends. Each time, I feel the same warmth seeing everyone dig in and enjoy it. Its creamy dressing hugs every piece of pasta and broccoli, making it feel indulgent yet wholesome. And the colors! Vibrant green broccoli against soft golden pasta is just so inviting.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
Honestly, this recipe is a hug in a bowl. There’s something about combining tender pasta with lightly blanched broccoli and coating it in a rich, tangy dressing that just feels like home. I love that I can prep it ahead of time, which makes busy days feel manageable without sacrificing flavor. I also adore how forgiving it is: swap vegetables, add a handful of toasted nuts, or sprinkle some crispy bacon every version feels personalized and special.
Cooking, for me, isn’t just about ingredients; it’s about creating experiences. When I make Creamy Broccoli Pasta Salad, I think of summer picnics, Sunday lunches, and the tiny joy of sharing food that’s made with love. It’s simple, comforting, and always satisfying.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Here’s what I use to make this salad absolutely perfect:
- 250g fusilli or penne pasta
- 300g fresh broccoli, cut into small florets
- 150g mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 50g grated cheddar cheese (optional but highly recommended)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 30g toasted almonds or walnuts for crunch
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Little kitchen secrets:
- Blanch your broccoli quickly in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then plunge it into ice water to keep that vibrant green and satisfying crunch.
- Mix the dressing ahead of time to let the flavors develop it makes a huge difference.
- Cook pasta just until al dente because it will soften a bit when chilled with the dressing.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- Start by boiling salted water in a large saucepan. Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- While pasta cooks, bring a small pot of water to boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2–3 minutes until bright green but still crisp. Drain and immediately submerge in ice water to preserve color and texture.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooled pasta and broccoli to the bowl, tossing gently to coat everything in the dressing.
- Stir in red onion, grated cheddar, and toasted nuts. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving this Creamy Broccoli Pasta Salad in a large glass bowl so everyone can see the beautiful colors. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds that final touch of freshness. Sometimes I pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a heartier meal, or I serve it alongside a crusty loaf of bread for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly option.
For family gatherings, I like to place a small bowl of extra nuts and cheese on the side so everyone can customize their portion. The creamy texture makes it perfect for scooping onto plates or even using as a filling in wraps for a portable lunch.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
This salad keeps beautifully in the fridge for 2–3 days. I always store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Make-ahead tip: Prepare the dressing a day before and chop the vegetables in advance. Assemble the salad the night before or morning of your event.
- Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so no reheating needed. Just give it a gentle stir before serving if it’s been stored.
- Substitutions: Swap broccoli for green beans, cauliflower, or even roasted bell peppers. Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a tangier, lighter version.
100-Word Short Version
I love making Creamy Broccoli Pasta Salad because it’s fresh, simple, and full of flavor. I cook pasta al dente, blanch broccoli until crisp, and toss them together with a tangy, creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and honey. Red onions, grated cheddar, and toasted nuts add texture and depth. Chilling it for 30 minutes lets the flavors marry beautifully. Perfect for picnics, family meals, or potlucks, this salad is easy to prep ahead and customize. Every bite feels like comfort and warmth, bringing people together around the table.
Recipe Card Section
⏱️ Time:
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Chill: 30 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 250g fusilli or penne pasta
- 300g fresh broccoli florets
- 150g mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 50g grated cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 30g toasted almonds or walnuts
- Fresh parsley for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook pasta al dente, rinse under cold water.
- Blanch broccoli 2–3 minutes, then cool in ice water.
- Whisk mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Toss pasta and broccoli with dressing.
- Mix in onion, cheese, and nuts.
- Chill 30 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with parsley.
📝 Notes
- Make-ahead: Prep dressing and chop veggies in advance.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for lighter dressing.
- Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight meals.
🍽️ Nutrition
Calories: 280 kcal per serving
Protein: 10g
Carbs: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated fat: 5g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 220mg
Creamy Broccoli Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling, Blanching, Tossing
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy broccoli pasta salad is fresh, simple, and packed with flavor. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, it combines al dente pasta, crisp blanched broccoli, and a tangy, creamy dressing with onions, cheese, and nuts for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Ingredients
- 250g fusilli or penne pasta
- 300g fresh broccoli florets
- 150g mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 50g grated cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 30g toasted almonds or walnuts
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta al dente, rinse under cold water.
- Blanch broccoli 2–3 minutes, then cool in ice water.
- Whisk mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Toss pasta and broccoli with dressing.
- Mix in onion, cheese, and nuts.
- Chill 30 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with parsley.
Notes
Make-ahead: Prep dressing and chop veggies in advance. Substitute Greek yogurt for lighter dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Conclusion
Whenever I make this Creamy Broccoli Pasta Salad, I feel that cozy warmth only food made with love can give. Every bite reminds me of the joy of sharing meals with friends and family, and how something as simple as pasta and broccoli can bring people together. Cooking is my way of telling stories, making memories, and showing love. I hope this recipe becomes your go-to for comfort, freshness, and happiness a little reminder that the best meals are always made from the heart.