Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Healthy Spring Broccoli Pasta Salad


  • Author: Livia Scott
  • Total Time: 30 minutes plus chilling
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Healthy Spring Broccoli Pasta Salad is a fresh, creamy, colorful easy recipe made with tender rotini, crisp broccoli, sweet corn, tomatoes, cranberries, and a light Greek yogurt dressing. It is perfect for quick lunch, easy dinner, healthy meal prep, spring side dishes, potluck food ideas, picnic recipes, and simple dinner ideas when you want something bright, satisfying, and make-ahead friendly.


Ingredients

12 ounces rotini pasta

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup sweet corn

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/3 cup finely diced red onion

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup cooked crumbled turkey bacon or crispy bacon

3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/3 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon garlic powder

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives


Instructions

1. Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled.

2. Cut the broccoli into small bite-size florets. Leave it raw for crunch, or blanch it briefly and cool it in ice water for a softer texture.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

4. Add the cooled pasta, broccoli, corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, dried cranberries, and crumbled bacon to the bowl.

5. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated in the creamy dressing.

6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

7. Stir again before serving, taste, and adjust with a little extra salt, pepper, yogurt, or vinegar if needed.

8. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and serve cold.

Notes

Do not mix the salad while the pasta is still warm. Warm pasta can absorb too much dressing and make the vegetables soften faster, so cool it fully before tossing.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Boil and Toss
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 285
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: healthy spring broccoli pasta salad, broccoli pasta salad, easy pasta salad, healthy side dish, spring salad, meal prep lunch, potluck pasta salad