Broccoli, Cherry Tomato, & Pasta Salad Recipe

This delightful Broccoli, Cherry Tomato, & Pasta Salad, sourced from the pages of Cooking Light magazine, is a cherished recipe that has withstood the test of time, despite its modest preparation duration. While it does take a bit of time to assemble, the result is a fresh, vibrant dish that is sure to impress at any gathering or serve as a nourishing lunch option. With the versatility to swap out certain ingredients based on availability, such as using green onions in place of shallots and omitting dill if it’s not on hand, this salad remains adaptable to your tastes and pantry.

Recipe Overview

Ingredients

Nutritional Information

Instructions

1. Prepare the Herb Mixture: Begin by combining the flat leaf parsley, fresh basil leaves, fresh dill (if using), lemon rind, mint leaves, and one clove of garlic on a cutting board. Finely chop these ingredients together, ensuring they are well mixed. Once completed, reserve 3 tablespoons of this herb mixture for later use.

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2. Set Aside Remaining Herbs: After reserving the necessary amount, set the remaining herb mixture aside for the salad.

3. Make the Dressing: In a food processor, add the reserved 3 tablespoons of the herb mixture. Turn the food processor on, and through the food chute, drop in the remaining garlic clove. Process until the garlic is finely minced.

4. Blend in Remaining Ingredients: Next, add the low-fat cottage cheese, low-fat buttermilk, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, and a dash of black pepper into the food processor. Blend these ingredients until you achieve a smooth, creamy dressing. Once blended, gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese, mixing until just combined.

5. Steam the Broccoli: To prepare the broccoli, steam it in a covered pot for about 5 minutes or until it reaches a crisp-tender texture. Once cooked, remove it from heat and allow it to cool slightly.

6. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining herb mixture, steamed broccoli, halved cherry tomatoes, cooked medium pasta shells, and cooked rotini pasta. If you opted for shallots, add them in at this stage; otherwise, include the sliced green onions.

7. Add Capers and Artichokes: Gently fold in the capers and drained artichoke hearts, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the salad.

8. Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Using tongs or a large spoon, toss everything together until the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients, ensuring a delightful balance of flavors in each bite.

9. Serve and Enjoy: This salad can be served immediately, but for enhanced flavor, allow it to chill in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Conclusion

The Broccoli, Cherry Tomato, & Pasta Salad stands out not only for its delicious taste but also for its nutritional benefits, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle while still enjoying flavorful dishes. Whether you’re preparing a picnic, a potluck, or simply a nutritious meal at home, this salad offers a refreshing and satisfying option that your friends and family are bound to love.

Feel free to customize this recipe further to suit your preferences or to utilize what you have on hand, ensuring it remains a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the process of creating this vibrant dish that celebrates the goodness of fresh ingredients and wholesome flavors.