Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Rotini Salad
Whip up a delightful and vibrant Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Rotini Salad that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal. With colorful tri-color spiral pasta, crunchy broccoli florets, and rich cheddar cheese, this salad is not only visually appealing but also satisfies your taste buds with its creamy sweet-tangy dressing. Ideal for busy cooks, this recipe is simple to prepare and can be made in under 30 minutes, ensuring you'll have a delicious side dish or main course ready in no time.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
tri-color spiral pasta
12 ounces (cooked and cooled)
red onion
1 medium (finely chopped)
shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups (ready to use)
broccoli
1 medium head (chopped into small florets)
mayonnaise
1 cup (ready to use)
Splenda granular
1/2 cup (ready to use)
apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (ready to use)
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Splenda, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk together until smooth and well-blended. Set aside.
2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tri-color spiral pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3
Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to cool it down quickly.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, finely chopped red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and broccoli florets.
5
Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are fully coated with the dressing.
6
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled for the best taste.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Rotini Salad?
It is a vibrant and flavorful pasta salad featuring tri-color rotini, fresh broccoli florets, and shredded cheddar cheese tossed in a sweet-tangy mayonnaise dressing.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe is very quick and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of tri-color spiral pasta (rotini) for visual appeal and texture.
Can I use regular sugar instead of Splenda?
Yes, you can substitute the 1/2 cup of Splenda granular with regular sugar or your preferred sweetener.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield approximately 6 servings.
Is this salad suitable for a potluck?
Absolutely! It is perfect for picnics, potlucks, and large gatherings because it is easy to transport and tastes great chilled.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Fresh broccoli is recommended for the best crunch, but you can use frozen broccoli if it is completely thawed and very well-drained.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The creamy dressing is made from a simple blend of mayonnaise, Splenda, and apple cider vinegar.
Do I need to cook the broccoli?
No, the broccoli should be raw and chopped into small florets to provide a fresh, crunchy texture to the salad.
How should I prepare the red onion?
The red onion should be finely chopped to ensure its flavor is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
What kind of cheese is best for this salad?
The recipe specifies 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese for a rich and savory flavor.
Can I substitute the apple cider vinegar?
While apple cider vinegar provides a specific tang, you can use white vinegar or red wine vinegar as a substitute.
How long should the salad refrigerate before serving?
It is recommended to refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, making it a few hours or even a day in advance allows the flavors to develop even further.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe as written is vegetarian-friendly.
Can I add meat to this salad to make it a main dish?
Yes, adding cooked bacon bits or grilled chicken would be excellent additions for extra protein.
How do I prevent the pasta from being sticky?
Rinsing the cooked pasta under cold water immediately after draining helps stop the cooking process and removes excess starch.
What if I don't have tri-color rotini?
You can use any short pasta shape such as plain rotini, penne, or fusilli.
Can I use low-fat mayonnaise?
Yes, low-fat or light mayonnaise can be used, though the dressing may be slightly less creamy.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long does this salad stay fresh in the fridge?
When stored properly, the salad will stay fresh for 3 to 5 days.
Can I freeze this salad?
Freezing is not recommended because the mayonnaise-based dressing will separate and the vegetables will lose their crunch.
Is this recipe considered a side dish or a main course?
It can serve as either a hearty side dish or a light, refreshing main course.
Can I add nuts for extra crunch?
Yes, adding sunflower seeds or slivered almonds just before serving adds a nice extra layer of texture.
How do I ensure the dressing is smooth?
Whisk the mayonnaise, sweetener, and vinegar in a separate small bowl until completely smooth before pouring it over the pasta.
Why should I rinse the pasta with cold water?
Rinsing with cold water cools the pasta quickly so it doesn't melt the cheese or cook the broccoli when mixed.
How much cheese do I need?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
Can I use white onion instead of red onion?
Yes, but red onion is preferred for its milder flavor and the pop of color it adds to the salad.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is only gluten-free if you use a certified gluten-free pasta substitute.
What size should the broccoli florets be?
The broccoli should be chopped into small, bite-sized florets so they are easy to eat and well-coated in dressing.