Description
A vibrant and healthy Broccoli Pasta Salad tossed with a tangy homemade tomato vinaigrette, crunchy sunflower seeds, and creamy feta cheese. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomato Vinaigrette
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 6 Tbsp olive oil
Salad
- 1/2 lb. rotini pasta
- 1 lb. broccoli
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
- 4 oz. feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Make the vinaigrette: In a bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, red wine vinegar, dried basil, garlic powder, sugar, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until smooth. Gradually whisk in the olive oil one tablespoon at a time until fully emulsified. Set aside.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the rotini pasta according to the package instructions (about 7-10 minutes) until tender. Drain in a colander, rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking and cool the pasta, then drain well.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta cooks, cut broccoli florets from the stems and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Finely dice the red onion.
- Combine salad ingredients: Transfer the drained pasta to a large bowl. Add the chopped broccoli, diced red onion, and sunflower seeds.
- Add cheese and vinaigrette: Crumble the feta cheese over the salad, then drizzle the prepared tomato vinaigrette on top. Gently toss all ingredients to combine and evenly coat with dressing.
- Serve or store: Serve the broccoli pasta salad immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.
Notes
- This Broccoli Pasta Salad is perfect for meal prep or potlucks as it holds up well when refrigerated.
- The vinaigrette can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to swap sunflower seeds for toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
- To keep the salad vegan, omit the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 576.05 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 575.15 mg
- Fat: 32.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56.45 g
- Fiber: 6.38 g
- Protein: 16.78 g
- Cholesterol: 18 mg
