Linda's Broccoli Cheese Pasta Salad
Brighten up your mealtime with Linda's Broccoli Cheese Pasta Salad—a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender rotini pasta, crisp-steamed broccoli, and savory cubes of sharp cheddar cheese in a tangy, homemade dressing. This vibrant pasta salad is enhanced with a touch of sweetness from granulated sugar and the zing of apple cider vinegar, making it a delightful balance of flavors. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect make-ahead side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or a refreshing light meal. Serve it chilled and watch it disappear—this easy recipe is sure to become a new favorite!
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Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
- 0.5 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down, then set it aside.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, steam the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until tender but still bright green. Immediately place the broccoli in an ice bath to stop the cooking process, then drain well.
Step 3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, steamed and cooled broccoli florets, cubed cheddar cheese, and finely diced red onion.
Step 4
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 5
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Step 6
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 7
Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve chilled as a side dish or a light main course.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1282.1g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 4075.6 |
| Total Fat 255.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 67.0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 472.8mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2970.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 352.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 20.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 40.7g | |
| Protein 99.8g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 36IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1631.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 15.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1099.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories