Zesty Broccoli Cheese Rigatoni Salad
Enjoy a vibrant and refreshing Zesty Broccoli Cheese Rigatoni Salad, perfect for gatherings or a light meal! This delightful dish combines tender rigatoni pasta with crisp broccoli florets, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a zesty mustard vinaigrette. Bursting with flavors, this salad is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a colorful, nutritious addition to any table. Serve it chilled on a bed of crisp lettuce and garnish with cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor. Your friends and family will love this easy-to-make, wholesome salad!
4
Servings
237
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
rigatoni pasta
8 ounces (uncooked)
fresh broccoli
4 cups (flowerets)
mozzarella cheese
4 ounces (cubed)
fresh parsley
1/3 cup (chopped)
fresh basil
2 tablespoons (chopped)
lettuce leaf
(for serving)
cherry tomatoes
(halved, for garnish)
vegetable oil
1/2 cup
lemon juice
1/3 cup
Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons
garlic
3 cloves (minced)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2
In a separate pot, bring a small amount of water to a boil. Add the fresh broccoli flowerets and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they are slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and rinse under cold water.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli florets, cubed mozzarella cheese, chopped parsley, and basil. Gently toss to combine.
4
Prepare the Mustard Vinaigrette by combining the vegetable oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a jar. Seal tightly and shake vigorously until well mixed.
5
Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta and broccoli mixture, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
6
To serve, line a platter with crisp lettuce leaves, and spoon the pasta salad on top. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes.
7
Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
6.5g
Protein
2g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Broccoli Cheese Rigatoni Salad?
It is a vibrant, refreshing pasta salad featuring rigatoni, crisp broccoli, creamy mozzarella, and a zesty mustard vinaigrette.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 237 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How much rigatoni pasta is needed?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of uncooked rigatoni pasta.
What type of cheese is used in this salad?
The salad uses 4 ounces of cubed mozzarella cheese.
How should the broccoli be prepared?
Use 4 cups of fresh broccoli flowerets, cooked briefly until tender-crisp and then rinsed in cold water.
What is in the mustard vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette consists of vegetable oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
How long does the salad need to chill?
The salad should be covered and chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
What fresh herbs are included?
The salad includes 1/3 cup of chopped fresh parsley and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 12.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 22.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 6.5 grams of protein.
How much fiber does this salad provide?
This salad provides 2 grams of fiber per serving.
What is the best way to cook the pasta?
Cook the rigatoni according to package directions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
How long should I boil the broccoli?
Boil the broccoli flowerets for 2 to 3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
What can I use as a garnish?
The salad is garnished with halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor.
How is the salad served?
It is traditionally served on a platter lined with crisp lettuce leaves.
What type of mustard is used in the dressing?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard.
How much garlic is required?
The dressing requires 3 cloves of minced garlic.
How much vegetable oil is needed for the vinaigrette?
You will need 1/2 cup of vegetable oil for the dressing.
Can I use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/3 cup of lemon juice, which is best when fresh.
Is this a good dish for a potluck?
Yes, it is highly recommended as a side dish for potlucks and summer gatherings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients used in this recipe.
Should I rinse the pasta after cooking?
Yes, rinsing under cold water stops the cooking process and prepares it for the salad.
What should be the size of the mozzarella pieces?
The mozzarella cheese should be cubed into bite-sized pieces.
How do I mix the dressing?
Combine the dressing ingredients in a jar, seal tightly, and shake vigorously until well mixed.
What kind of salad tags apply to this dish?
Tags include pasta salad, vegetarian, broccoli salad, healthy recipe, and side dish.
How much salt and pepper are added?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
Can I add extra vegetables?
While the recipe focuses on broccoli, you can certainly add other fresh vegetables if desired.