Andi’s Pasta Salad W/Blue Cheese,broccoli and Grapes

Andi’s Pasta Salad with Blue Cheese, Broccoli, and Grapes 🍇🧀🥦🍝

What is it?
Andi’s Pasta Salad is a delightful and unique combination of flavors and textures. This salad features tender pasta, creamy blue cheese, crisp broccoli florets, and sweet grapes, all tossed together in a zesty dressing. It’s a perfect dish for those who enjoy a harmonious blend of savory and sweet in their salads. 😋

History:
The exact origin of Andi’s Pasta Salad is unclear, as it’s likely a modern creation born out of culinary experimentation. Pasta salads have been popular for decades, and this particular variation likely emerged as people sought to combine contrasting flavors and ingredients to create something refreshing and satisfying.

Components:

• Pasta: Typically, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, but fusilli or bowtie pasta works well due to their ability to hold the dressing and ingredients.
• Blue Cheese: The pungent and creamy blue cheese adds a bold and tangy flavor to the salad.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are blanched to maintain their crunch while becoming slightly tender.
• Grapes: Sweet and juicy grapes provide a burst of natural sweetness that complements the savory elements.
• Dressing: A simple dressing made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and seasoning ties all the ingredients together.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and let it cool.
2. Blanch the Broccoli: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and blanch the broccoli florets for 2-3 minutes. Transfer them to an ice bath to stop cooking, then drain and pat dry.
3. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust the ingredients to taste.
4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, blanched broccoli, grapes (halved or whole, as you prefer), and crumbled blue cheese.
5. Add the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is well coated.
6. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, give it another gentle toss.

Time Needed:

• Cooking the pasta: 10-12 minutes
• Blanching the broccoli: 2-3 minutes
• Preparing the dressing: 5 minutes
• Assembling and chilling the salad: 30 minutes

In total, you can prepare Andi’s Pasta Salad with Blue Cheese, Broccoli, and Grapes in approximately 50 minutes. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light meal on its own. 🍽️🥗👌

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Andi’s Pasta Salad with Blue Cheese, Broccoli, and Grapes:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving (varies based on portion size).
• Total Fat: About 15-20 grams.
• Saturated Fat: Typically 5-7 grams.
• Cholesterol: Around 15-25 milligrams.
• Sodium: Approximately 350-450 milligrams.
• Total Carbohydrates: Roughly 45-50 grams.
• Dietary Fiber: About 4-6 grams.
• Sugars: Around 8-10 grams.
• Protein: Approximately 10-12 grams.

Health Information:

1. Moderate Calories: Andi’s Pasta Salad can be a reasonably calorie-friendly option, especially if you control portion sizes. It can be a filling and satisfying dish without excessive caloric intake.

2. Healthy Fats: While the salad contains fats from the olive oil and blue cheese, these are primarily monounsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy.

3. Balanced Carbohydrates: The pasta and grapes contribute to the carbohydrate content. Carbohydrates provide energy, and when combined with fiber from ingredients like broccoli, they can help keep you feeling full.

4. Fiber-Rich: The broccoli and pasta provide dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a feeling of fullness.

5. Moderate Sodium: Be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you have dietary restrictions or need to watch your salt intake. Adjust the amount of salt and cheese to suit your preferences.

6. Protein Source: While not a high-protein dish, the salad does provide a moderate amount of protein. You can increase the protein content by adding grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas if desired.

7. Vitamins and Minerals: This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the broccoli and antioxidants from the grapes. Blue cheese also provides calcium.

8. Antioxidants: Grapes are known for their antioxidants, which have potential health benefits.

9. Balanced Meal: You can make this salad even healthier by incorporating a variety of vegetables and protein sources, making it a well-rounded and nutritious meal.

Remember that specific nutritional values may vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe, so it’s always a good idea to calculate the exact nutritional content if you have specific dietary requirements or restrictions. Enjoy your pasta salad in moderation as part of a balanced diet! 😊🥗🍇🧀