Best 6 Broccoli Cherry Tomato Pasta Salad Recipes

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Craving a light and refreshing meal? Look no further than this delectable Broccoli Cherry Tomato Pasta Salad, a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. This versatile dish, easily prepared in under 30 minutes, is perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a delightful side dish at your next gathering. With its vibrant colors and an explosion of flavors, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit among family and friends.

The recipe features a delightful combination of broccoli florets, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, and crumbled feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. The addition of fresh basil adds a touch of herbal freshness, while pine nuts provide a delightful crunch.

But this article doesn't stop at just one recipe. It also includes variations to suit different dietary preferences and taste buds. If you're a fan of creamy dressings, try the Creamy Pesto Dressing variation, which incorporates pesto, mayonnaise, and sour cream for a rich and flavorful twist.

For those who prefer a vegan option, the Vegan Dressing variation offers a delectable blend of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, tahini, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. And if you're gluten-free, simply swap out the traditional pasta for your favorite gluten-free alternative.

With its ease of preparation, customizable variations, and burst of flavors, this Broccoli Cherry Tomato Pasta Salad is a must-try for any occasion. Join us as we delve into the detailed step-by-step instructions for each recipe, ensuring you create a delightful and memorable dish that will leave your taste buds craving more.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

GARDEN-FRESH PASTA SALAD



Garden-Fresh Pasta Salad image

Ripe vegetables and whole wheat noodles get together for a better-for-you take on pasta salad.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Onions

Time 1h30m

Yield 14 servings, 3/4 cup each

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 pkg. (16 oz.) whole wheat farfalle (bow-tie pasta), uncooked
2 cups broccoli florets
1 each red onion and red pepper, chopped
2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
1 bottle (8 oz.) KRAFT Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette Dressing
1/2 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt and adding broccoli to the boiling water for the last 3 min. Drain.
  • Rinse pasta mixture with cold water; drain well. Place in large bowl. Add all remaining ingredients except cheese; mix lightly.
  • Refrigerate 1 hour. Stir gently before serving; top with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 180, Fat 4.5 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Sodium 260 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 7 g

ROASTED BROCCOLI WITH CHERRY TOMATOES



Roasted Broccoli with Cherry Tomatoes image

Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 23m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 bunches broccoli, cut into 2 1/2-inch long florets
1 medium shallot, roughly chopped
1 pint cherry tomatoes, whole
3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
  • Add broccoli to a large bowl. Add the shallots, cherry tomatoes, garlic and red pepper flakes with 4 tablespoons oil in large bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat and spread onto large baking sheet. Roast until the stems are tender-crisp and lightly golden brown, about 18 minutes. Grate the Parmesan over the broccoli while it's hot.

BROCCOLI, CHERRY TOMATO, & PASTA SALAD



Broccoli, Cherry Tomato, & Pasta Salad image

I found this recipe in Cooking Light magazine years ago and, even though it takes a bit of time to prepare, it's still a favorite! I usually don't use the dill (although I do like it when I happen to have it on hand), and I use 1/4 cup of sliced green onions instead of the shallots.

Provided by VictoriaL

Categories     Vegetable

Time 1h

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 23

1/2 cup fresh flat leaf parsley
1/3 cup fresh basil leaf
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1 teaspoon grated fresh lemon rind
12 mint leaves
1 clove garlic, peeled
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1/3 cup 2% low fat cottage cheese
1/4 cup low-fat buttermilk
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 dash black pepper
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (2 ounces)
7 cups small broccoli florets
2 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
4 ounces uncooked medium pasta shells or 4 ounces rotini pasta, cooked and drained
1/2 cup minced shallot
2 tablespoons capers
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, rinsed,drained,and halved

Steps:

  • To prepare herb mixture, combine first 6 ingredients on a cutting board; finely chop, and reserve 3 tablespoons.
  • Set remaining herb mixture aside.
  • To prepare the dressing, place the reserved 3 tablespoons herb mixture in a food processor.
  • Drop 2 garlic cloves through the food chute with food processor on; process until minced.
  • Add cottage cheese and next 6 ingredients (cottage cheese through dash of pepper) to food processor; process until smooth.
  • Stir in feta.
  • To prepare salad, steam broccoli, covered, 5 minutes or until crisp-tender.
  • Cool.
  • Combine remaining herb mixture, broccoli, mushrooms, and remaining ingredients in a large bowl.
  • Pour dressing over salad; toss well.
  • Yield: 4 (2 1/2) cup servings CALORIES 327 (24% from fat); FAT 8.
  • 8g (satfat 3g, monofat 3. 4g, polyfat 0. 9g); PROTEIN 18.
  • 4g; CARBOHYDRATE 50g; FIBER 7g; CHOLESTEROL 14mg; IRON 4.
  • 3mg; SODIUM 768mg; CALCIUM 248mg; Cooking Light, JUNE 1999.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 347.7, Fat 9.7, SaturatedFat 3.9, Cholesterol 19.2, Sodium 524.4, Carbohydrate 52.7, Fiber 11.6, Sugar 7.6, Protein 18.9

BROCCOLI AND CHERRY TOMATO SALAD



Broccoli and Cherry Tomato Salad image

Categories     Salad     Tomato     Vegetable     Freeze/Chill     Low Fat     Vegetarian     Quick & Easy     Low Cal     Low/No Sugar     Summer     Chill     Bon Appétit

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 cups broccoli florets
1 1-pint basket cherry tomatoes, halved
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano or 2 teaspoons dried

Steps:

  • Steam broccoli until just crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer to large bowl and cool. Add tomatoes. Place mustard in small bowl. Gradually whisk in vinegar, then oil. Mix in oregano. Add to salad and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover, chill.)

LINGUINE WITH BROCCOLI & CHERRY TOMATOES



Linguine with Broccoli & Cherry Tomatoes image

Make and share this Linguine with Broccoli & Cherry Tomatoes recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Tebo3759

Categories     Vegetable

Time 25m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 lb linguine or 1 lb fettuccine
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper flakes (or more)
4 cups fresh broccoli florets or 4 cups frozen broccoli florets
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (8 oz)
1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
salt and pepper
1/4 cup asiago cheese, shredded (as a change from paramesan)

Steps:

  • Cook pasta until tender, about 8 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cook garlic and pepper flakes in oil over med heat for 2 minutes Add broccoli, cover and cook 4 minutes.
  • Add tomatoes, stir fry for 3 minutes.
  • Add parsley, salt and pepper.
  • Drain pasta reserving 3/4 cup of cooking water.
  • Combine broccoli mixture and pasta.
  • Toss to coat adding enough water to moisten.
  • Serve with Asiago cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 522, Fat 8.9, SaturatedFat 1.3, Sodium 31.4, Carbohydrate 93.1, Fiber 4.8, Sugar 4.1, Protein 17.9

BOW TIE PASTA WITH BROCCOLI AND TOMATOES



Bow Tie Pasta With Broccoli and Tomatoes image

I recently created this recipe from ingredients I had on hand. It is quick and simple. I served it with fresh crusty bread and butter.

Provided by SUSIE IN MISSOURI

Categories     < 30 Mins

Time 20m

Yield 1 cups, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
4 minced garlic cloves
8 ounces bow tie pasta
3 -4 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 cups cherry tomatoes (1 Pint)
fresh parmesan cheese
salt
pepper

Steps:

  • Prepare pasta according to package directions and drain completely.
  • Steam broccoli until fork tender, drain completely.
  • Cut tomatoes in half.
  • In skillet over medium heat melt butter in olive oil.
  • Add garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  • Put the prepared pasta in skillet and toss to coat.
  • Add the tomatoes and toss for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the broccoli and toss 1-2 minutes.
  • Salt and Pepper to taste.
  • Sprinkle with Grated Parmensa Cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 417.5, Fat 21.6, SaturatedFat 7.6, Cholesterol 70.8, Sodium 92.1, Carbohydrate 47.3, Fiber 2.8, Sugar 3.1, Protein 10.6

Tips:

  • Choose the freshest vegetables: Look for broccoli florets that are deep green and compact, and cherry tomatoes that are plump and firm. Avoid any vegetables that are wilted or bruised.
  • Cook the broccoli florets to perfection: Overcooked broccoli florets will become mushy, so it's important to cook them just until they are tender-crisp. You can do this by boiling them in salted water for 2-3 minutes, steaming them for 3-4 minutes, or roasting them in a 425°F oven for 10-12 minutes.
  • Use a flavorful dressing: The dressing is what really brings this pasta salad together, so make sure to use a dressing that you love. A simple olive oil and lemon dressing is always a good option, but you can also try a creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt or sour cream, or a pesto dressing made with fresh basil.
  • Add some protein: If you want to make this salad more substantial, you can add some protein, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Simply cook the protein according to package directions and add it to the salad.
  • Serve the salad chilled: This salad is best served chilled, so make sure to refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. You can also make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Broccoli cherry tomato pasta salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is light and flavorful, and it can be easily customized to your own liking. With a few simple tips, you can make a broccoli cherry tomato pasta salad that everyone will love.

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