Broccoli Pasta Salad

 

It's never too early to think about family get-togethers, Mother's Day, picnics. and graduation parties. This Broccoli Salad is a winner- winner in my book. The star of the salad is homemade poppy seed dressing that comes together in just 5 minutes. Loaded with tons of fresh broccoli and fruit, which adds in lots of nutrients and is also a way to get kids to eat their veggies and fruits. 😊 

Broccoli Pasta Salad

Cook's Notes: The beauty of this salad is that the ingredients can easily be increased depending on how many servings are needed. Any extra dressing should be stored in the refrigerator in a screw-type jar. This side salad serves 4-6. 

Make the salad dressing early in the day so the flavors can meld. The recipe called for mayonnaise, but I used Miracle Whip for more flavor.

Optional add-ins include bacon and cubed mozzarella cheese or balls. 

Poppy Seed Dressing Ingredients: 

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
•  1/4 cup honey
• Salt to taste 
• 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard 
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

Directions:

• Blend ingredients until smooth with a small whisk. 
• Refrigerate the dressing for several hours.

Salad Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried pasta, bow tie, rotini, fusilli
• 4-5 cup broccoli, rinsed, dried and chopped in pieces
• 1 large crisp red apple e.g. Honey Crisp
• 1 green apple, diced
• 1/3 cup diced red onion
• 1 cup toasted cashews
• 2/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes 

Salad Directions:

• Cook pasta al dente and rinse with cold water. 
• In a large bowl, toss all ingredients together. There is ample dressing, so only fold in enough to moisten, not drench salad ingredients. 
• Refrigerate salad for several hours for flavors to meld.