Yummy Broccoli and Bow-Tie Pasta Salad: Perfect for Warm Weather Days
This Pasta Salad with broccoli is delicious and refreshing when the weather is warm. It is also a unique dish to bring to a potluck or picnic.
Do you have a lot of potlucks and picnics during the summer?
We do!
I like to vary what we bring.
It is easy to get into a rut or just hit up the store for something ready-made.
Instead, you can make this pasta salad with broccoli for a great side at your next summer gathering.
It’s sure to become one everyone loves!
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A Special Ingredient in Pasta Salad with Broccoli
The addition of salt-cured lemons to this recipe really brings it to life.
Although it is very good without them, the lemons make you stop and think, “Wow. What was that?”
HemingWeigh Himalayan All Natural Crystal Salt Cooking Tile Himalayan Salt Block
The lemons are really easy to make by pressing fresh lemon slices between 2 Himalayan salt blocks.
Allow 2 days for the salt blocks to work their magic and you will be rewarded with a very tasty treat you’ll reach for again and again.
Preserved Farmhouse Lemons by Bella Cucina
Alternatively, you can purchase whole preserved lemons for use.
Not everyone has 2 Himalayan salt blocks in the house. And, you may not want to store those, either.
If that is the case, then purchasing readymade lemons is a better choice.
Don’t add extra salt to the salad without tasting it, however. The briny cured lemons are very intense on their own, but season a larger dish like this perfectly.
You can make this recipe a day or two ahead and store it in the refrigerator, so it’s perfect for taking to summer gatherings.
Broccoli and Bow-Tie Pasta Salad
Try this refreshing pasta salad featuring bow-tie shapes, broccoli, and salt-cured lemons.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 1 cup Farfalle (Bow-Tie) Pasta, cooked according to package directions
- 1 head broccoli, florets only
- 1 red bell pepper, core removed and cut into thin slices
- 1 yellow bell pepper, core removed and cut into thin slices
- 4 slices preserved, salt-cured lemon
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries [optional]
Dressing:
- 1 cup traditional Greek yogurt (full fat)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 T. high-quality extra virgin olive oil
- 2 T. fresh lemon juice
- 1 T. fresh lemon zest
- salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a glass bowl, combine yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and zest with a fork or whisk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place broccoli florets into a microwave safe bowl with 1 T. water, cover and microwave until slightly tender, about 4 or 5 minutes. Microwave times vary, so check after 3 minutes and adjust time accordingly. Set aside to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, steamed broccoli, red and yellow pepper, cured lemon and cranberries. Toss to mix well. Add some yogurt dressing and toss again until thoroughly combined and serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 251Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 734mgCarbohydrates: 47gFiber: 10gSugar: 24gProtein: 18g
Are pasta salads a staple at your house in the summer?
Would your family eat a pasta salad with broccoli, like this one?
I love pasta salad. This is great wit hall the veggies in it. This will be perfect for the Summer.
I usually do a vinaigrette dressing for pasta salads, but this yogurt dressing looks great!
Yum! I love pasta salads and I don’t believe that I currently have a recipe for one that includes broccoli. As a broccoli lover myself, I can’t wait to try this recipe!
Sounds delicious! I never thought to use Greek yogurt!! Definitely want to try this.
I love broccoli and try to add it to everything I can. Then my family complains! but, pasta salad with broccoli is delicious and makes great leftovers for lunch!
I would definitely would love to try the Broccoli and Bow-Tie Pasta Salad. I think it is a great plate, of which it’s on my menu later in the week.
This looks yummy. I think the lemon juice would give it a kick.
Wow! I would have never thought to add lemons!! This is brilliant and sounds delicious.
i’m always looking for new ‘take-to-work’ lunches and this looks perfect for it!
Popped over from the Health Living link party 🙂