Get ready to transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Broccoli Cheese Pasta Salad! Imagine a perfect blend of creamy cheese, tender pasta, and crisp broccoli that comes together in just 25 minutes – it's the ultimate quick and delicious dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish or a light lunch that packs a flavor punch, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food sensation!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, add the 2 cups of elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the broccoli. In the last 3 minutes of the pasta cooking time, add the 1 cup of broccoli florets to the pot. This will blanch the broccoli, making it tender yet crisp.
- 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 while you prepare the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sour cream, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Add the drained pasta and broccoli to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold the ingredients together until the pasta and broccoli are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Next, add the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Stir gently to incorporate the cheese into the pasta salad without breaking the broccoli florets.
- Season the pasta salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount, mix well, and adjust according to your preference.
- Once everything is combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a good stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy your delicious Broccoli Cheese Pasta Salad!
Tips
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: The key to a great pasta salad is perfectly cooked pasta. Be careful not to overcook – you want it firm but tender.
- Blanch Broccoli Carefully: Adding broccoli to the pasta water in the last 3 minutes ensures it stays bright green and maintains a crisp texture.
- Cool Ingredients Completely: Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process and helps prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
- Chill for Maximum Flavor: Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly shredded cheddar for the best melting and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese can be less flavorful and more dry.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add extra ingredients like diced red onions, crispy bacon bits, or chopped herbs to make it your own!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
