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Broccoli Pasta Salad - 2 Variations Recipe

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A refreshing and nutritious Broccoli Pasta Salad with two delicious variations: a creamy poppy seed dressing version featuring grapes, radishes, and toasted pecans, and a lighter Instagram/TikTok-style version with sautéed asparagus and a creamy tahini dressing. Both are gluten-free, vegan, and perfect for easy meal prep or a wholesome side dish.

Ingredients

Original Broccoli Pasta Salad

  • 8 oz dried gluten-free pasta
  • 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
  • 2 cups grapes, cut into halves
  • 1/3 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/3 cup chopped cucumbers
  • 1/4 cup sliced radishes
  • 1/3 cup crumbled vegan feta (divided; e.g., Violife)
  • 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup Primal Kitchen Ranch Dressing OR Homemade Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing (see below)

Homemade Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

  • 1/2 cup plain dairy-free/vegan yogurt
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon poppy seeds (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instagram / TikTok Broccoli Pasta Salad

  • 8-10 oz dried gluten-free pasta
  • 2-3 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped (about 1 head)
  • 1/2 cup chopped cucumbers
  • 1/2 cup chopped asparagus (woody ends removed)
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh chopped herbs (parsley or chives) for topping
  • 1 avocado
  • 1/4 cup tahini (or preferred runny nut/seed butter)
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
  • 1/2 lemon (juice)
  • 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup or preferred liquid sweetener
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1-2 teaspoons oil for sautéing asparagus (olive or avocado oil preferred)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the gluten-free pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  2. Prepare Original Dressing (Creamy Poppy Seed): In a resealable jar, combine plain dairy-free yogurt, apple cider vinegar, pure maple syrup, olive or avocado oil, poppy seeds, salt, and pepper. Shake well until fully combined. Set aside.
  3. Assemble Original Broccoli Pasta Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped broccoli florets, chopped red onion, chopped cucumbers, sliced radishes, and half of the crumbled vegan feta. Pour the creamy poppy seed dressing over and toss to evenly coat all ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
  4. Add Toppings for Original Salad: Just before serving, toss in halved grapes, toasted and chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and the remaining crumbled vegan feta. Mix gently and serve chilled.
  5. Prepare Instagram/TikTok Broccoli Pasta Salad Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, tahini, garlic cloves, nutritional yeast, chopped fresh chives, lemon juice, pure maple syrup, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth, adding a small amount of water if needed to reach a creamy, pourable consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
  6. Sauté Asparagus: Using the same pot or pan for the pasta, heat 1-2 teaspoons of oil over medium heat. Add chopped asparagus and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender but still bright green. Remove from heat and set aside.
  7. Assemble Instagram/TikTok Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, finely chopped broccoli, chopped cucumbers, and sautéed asparagus. Pour the creamy tahini dressing over and toss well to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Chill and Serve Instagram/TikTok Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to enhance flavors. Before serving, top with fresh chopped parsley or chives. Serve cold or at room temperature.
  9. Meal Prep Tip: For convenient lunches or meals, divide any version of the broccoli pasta salad into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Notes

  • For best texture, rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to stop residual cooking and prevent clumping.
  • Both salad variations are vegan and gluten-free, making them suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Feel free to substitute nuts or dried fruits based on preference or availability.
  • The creamy poppy seed dressing can be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week.
  • The tahini dressing can be thinned with water for desired consistency.
  • Fresh herbs enhance the flavor but can be adjusted or omitted.
  • Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preferences.

Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/broccoli-pasta-salad-2-variations-recipe/