Delightful Cruciferous Crunch Pasta Salad Recipe

Cruciferous Crunch Pasta Salad is a delightful explosion of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. Imagine biting into perfectly cooked pasta, vibrant veggies that crunch like confetti, and a zesty dressing that dances on your taste buds. zesty lemon garlic roasted potatoes This salad is not just a dish; it’s an experience waiting to happen.

Picture this: it’s a sunny afternoon, and you’ve gathered friends for a picnic. The laughter floats in the air as you unveil your colorful bowl of Cruciferous Crunch Pasta Salad. Everyone’s eyes widen in anticipation, and you know this is going to be the star of the day. Trust me; once they taste it, they’ll be begging for the recipe. For more inspiration, check out this BBQ Chicken Coleslaw Wraps recipe.

The first time I made this pasta salad, my family devoured it in minutes, asking if I had hidden magical powers in the dressing.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Use your favorite type; I recommend rotini or penne for their grooves that hold onto the dressing beautifully.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen works here; just ensure they’re vibrant green for maximum crunch.
• Cauliflower Florets: Choose crisp florets for added texture and flavor contrast.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy; they add bursts of flavor in every bite.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a mild yet flavorful kick that complements the other ingredients.
• Dressing: A homemade blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper makes everything sing! For more inspiration, check out this Stuffed Pepper Casserole recipe.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Prep the Veggies: While the pasta cooks, chop your broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion for that perfect flavor balance.

Whisk Together Dressing: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until emulsified—this will be your flavor powerhouse.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with chopped veggies. Pour over your zesty dressing and toss gently until everything is well-coated.

Chill & Serve: For best results, let your salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows all those delicious flavors to mingle beautifully!

Enjoy every crunchy bite of this refreshing Cruciferous Crunch Pasta Salad! It’s not just food; it’s love served in a bowl! crunchy apple cabbage salad.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta until al dente, then chop the veggies while it cools. This multitasking ensures that everything comes together seamlessly and saves time!

Add Your Touch

Swap out veggies based on what you have on hand. Try adding roasted chickpeas or sunflower seeds for added crunch and protein to elevate your salad!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors marry beautifully overnight, making it even tastier as a next-day meal!

I remember bringing this salad to a family barbecue, and my cousin claimed it was “the best thing since sliced bread.” It felt great to see everyone enjoying something I whipped up!

FAQ

Can I use gluten-free pasta for this salad?

Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works well and maintains the salad’s delightful texture.

What other dressings work with Cruciferous Crunch Pasta Salad?

roasted asparagus with goat cheese.

You can use vinaigrette or creamy dressings like ranch for a different flavor profile. creamy parmesan garlic brussels sprouts.

How long does this salad last in the fridge?

This salad stays fresh for about three days when stored properly in an airtight container.

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Cruciferous Crunch Pasta Salad

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• Author: mydishtoday
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Cruciferous Crunch Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines al dente pasta with crunchy veggies and a zingy dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or family gatherings, this salad is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. With minimal prep time and easy customization options, it promises to be a hit at any occasion!

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz rotini pasta
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup cauliflower florets
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the rotini in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. While pasta cools, chop broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. Halve cherry tomatoes and thinly slice red onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with chopped veggies. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg