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Make-Ahead Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad with Vinaigrette

A fork lifting a bite of creamy Broccoli caesar pasta salad with fusilli pasta and bright green broccoli florets.
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This make ahead pasta salad recipe uses a bright, hardy vinaigrette dressing, making it a safe and flavorful side dish for outdoor BBQs and summer gatherings where mayonnaise-based salads are a concern. The flavors deepen overnight.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound short pasta (rotini or penne)
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken breast (optional)
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
  • 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process. Place the cooled pasta in a large bowl.
  2. Blanch the broccoli florets: Drop the florets into boiling water for 1 minute, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath. Drain well. Add the blanched broccoli to the bowl with the pasta.
  3. Prepare the dressing: In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and salt. Shake vigorously until the dressing emulsifies.
  4. Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the pasta and broccoli mixture. Add the shredded chicken, if using, and the 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything gently until evenly coated.
  5. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. This is a key step for the best flavor.
  6. Before serving, taste the salad. Add more dressing if the pasta has absorbed too much liquid. Toss in the toasted pine nuts.
  7. Serve chilled, topping each portion with extra grated Parmesan cheese for the best summer pasta salad aesthetic.

Notes

  • For the best flavor development, prepare this Caesar pasta salad with broccoli the day before you plan to serve it.
  • If you are making this for a large outdoor BBQ side dish safe in heat, keep it well-chilled until serving time.
  • To toast pine nuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant and lightly browned.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://onedishuniverse.com/broccoli-caesar-pasta-salad/