Creamy Broccoli and Rotini Salad Delight
This Creamy Broccoli and Rotini Salad Delight is a vibrant and nutritious dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a satisfying side at dinner. With tender spiral-shaped pasta tossed with fresh broccoli florets, sweet Italian plum tomatoes, and crunchy carrots, it provides a delightful crunch and a burst of color. The creamy dressing made with light sour cream, parmesan cheese, and a hint of garlic brings everything together in a playful mix of flavors that is sure to impress your friends and family. Easy to make ahead of time, this salad can be served immediately or refrigerated for later, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
uncooked rotini pasta
3 ounces (spiral shaped pasta, about 1 1/4 cups)
light sour cream
1/4 cup (none)
grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (none)
reduced-calorie mayonnaise
1 tablespoon (none)
skim milk
1 tablespoon (none)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
fresh broccoli florets
3/4 cup (none)
Italian plum tomatoes
3/4 cup (chopped (about 3 to 4 medium))
medium carrot
1 (finely shredded (about 1/2 cup))
fresh basil
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool to stop the cooking process.
2
In a small mixing bowl, combine the light sour cream, grated parmesan cheese, reduced-calorie mayonnaise, skim milk, and minced garlic. Whisk together until smooth and well combined.
3
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the fresh broccoli florets, chopped Italian plum tomatoes, finely shredded carrot, and chopped fresh basil until evenly mixed.
4
Add the cooled rotini pasta to the vegetable mixture and stir gently to combine. Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss lightly until everything is coated with the dressing.
5
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. You may add a sprinkle of salt or pepper to enhance the flavors.
6
Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two hours to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Broccoli and Rotini Salad Delight?
It is a vibrant and nutritious dish featuring spiral-shaped pasta, fresh broccoli, plum tomatoes, and carrots tossed in a creamy parmesan dressing.
How much rotini pasta do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 ounces of uncooked rotini pasta, which is approximately 1 1/4 cups.
What ingredients are in the creamy dressing?
The dressing is made from light sour cream, grated parmesan cheese, reduced-calorie mayonnaise, skim milk, and minced garlic.
Which vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes fresh broccoli florets, chopped Italian plum tomatoes, and finely shredded carrots.
How should the pasta be cooked?
The rotini should be cooked in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until it is al dente.
Is it necessary to rinse the pasta after cooking?
Yes, you should drain and rinse the pasta under cold water until cool to stop the cooking process.
What type of cheese is used in this salad?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires one minced clove of garlic.
Can I use any type of tomato?
While the recipe specifically suggests 3/4 cup of chopped Italian plum tomatoes, you can use similar medium-sized tomatoes.
How do I prepare the carrot for this recipe?
One medium carrot should be finely shredded, which results in about 1/2 cup.
What fresh herb is recommended for the salad?
One tablespoon of chopped fresh basil is used to add flavor and aroma.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
Is this recipe considered a light meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a light meal and a healthy side dish.
Can this salad be served at a potluck?
Absolutely, it is described as a perfect dish for potlucks, picnics, or as a dinner side.
How do I assemble the dressing?
In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, parmesan, mayo, milk, and garlic until the mixture is smooth.
When should I add the dressing to the pasta?
After tossing the vegetables and pasta together, pour the prepared dressing over them and toss lightly to coat.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, it can be covered and refrigerated for up to two hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I serve the salad immediately?
Yes, the salad can be served immediately for the freshest taste.
What is the texture of the rotini pasta?
The rotini is a spiral-shaped pasta that provides a fun texture and holds the creamy dressing well.
Should I season the salad with salt and pepper?
The recipe suggests tasting and adjusting the seasoning with a sprinkle of salt or pepper to enhance the flavors.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 10 ingredients in this Creamy Broccoli and Rotini Salad Delight.
Does the recipe use full-fat mayonnaise?
No, it specifically calls for reduced-calorie mayonnaise to keep the dish lighter.
What type of milk is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses one tablespoon of skim milk.
Is the broccoli cooked or raw?
The recipe uses fresh broccoli florets, which are typically used raw in this type of pasta salad for crunch.
What kind of sour cream is recommended?
The recipe specifies light sour cream.
How much broccoli do I need?
You will need 3/4 cup of fresh broccoli florets.
What is the best way to mix the final salad?
Stir the pasta and vegetables gently to combine, then toss lightly with the dressing to ensure everything is coated.
Why is the pasta rinsed in cold water?
Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process and ensures the pasta is cool enough for a chilled salad.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple boiling, whisking, and tossing steps.
What makes this salad a 'delight'?
The combination of crunchy vegetables, tender pasta, and a savory, creamy parmesan-garlic dressing makes it a flavorful and impressive dish.