Looking for a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this delightful Greek Broccoli Pasta Salad! Bursting with flavor and packed with nutritious ingredients, this salad is not just a side dish; it's a showstopper that will leave your taste buds dancing. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a colorful medley of pasta, fresh veggies, and creamy feta that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving a light meal, this recipe is your ticket to a taste of the Mediterranean. Dive in and discover how easy it is to create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 2 cups of broccoli florets, 1 cup of cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/2 cup of diced red onion, 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup of sliced olives, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt to the water.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- About 3 minutes before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets to the pot. This will blanch the broccoli while the pasta finishes cooking.
- Once the pasta and broccoli are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow them to cool for a few minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta and broccoli with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional feta cheese or olives if desired. Enjoy your Greek Broccoli Pasta Salad!
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for small shapes like rotini or penne that hold onto the dressing and mix well with the veggies. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be great alternatives!
- Blanch with Care: When adding the broccoli to the pasta, make sure to blanch it for just a few minutes to maintain its vibrant green color and crunchy texture.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch and flavor. The beauty of this salad is its versatility!
- Make Ahead: For even better flavor, prepare the salad a few hours in advance and let it chill in the fridge. This allows the ingredients to marinate and enhances the overall taste.
- Add Protein: If you want to turn this salad into a more filling meal, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for a protein boost.
- Garnish for Presentation: Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra feta cheese or olives on top before serving for a beautiful presentation that will wow your guests!
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your salad before serving. Feel free to adjust the seasoning or add more lemon juice for a zesty kick!With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious Greek Broccoli Pasta Salad that everyone will love!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
