This Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad is a tasty mix of soft pasta, crunchy broccoli, and creamy cheddar cheese. It’s like a party in your mouth with every bite!
What I love about this salad is how easy it is to make. Just cook the pasta, toss in some fresh veggies, and pour on that cheesy dressing. Perfect for picnics or lunchboxes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This spiral pasta holds the dressing well. If you’re out, you can use fusilli or bowtie pasta. Gluten-free pasta works too if you need it!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives a crisp texture and color. If broccoli isn’t available, you can substitute with cauliflower, green beans, or even peas for a different twist.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is classic here. If you prefer something milder, try Monterey Jack or a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
Diced Ham: It’s optional but adds a nice flavor. For a vegetarian option, you can swap it with chickpeas or leave it out entirely.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: You can replace these with Greek yogurt for a healthier choice. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor slightly!
How Do You Blanch Broccoli Perfectly?
Blanching broccoli is a great way to keep it bright and crunchy in this salad! Here’s how to do it:
- Start by boiling water in a large pot. Make sure it’s at a rolling boil.
- Add the broccoli florets and let them cook for about 2 minutes. You want them tender but still crisp.
- Immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking and locks in that vibrant green color.
- After a few minutes, drain it and pat gently with a towel to remove excess water!
Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad (Walmart Copycat Recipe)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup diced cooked ham (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes for prep and cooking, plus at least 1 hour to chill in the fridge. So, set aside around 1 hour and 30 minutes total to get this delicious dish ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions. When the pasta is done, drain it and give it a quick rinse under cold water to help cool it down.
2. Blanching the Broccoli:
In the same pot of boiling water, add the fresh broccoli florets and blanch them for about 2 minutes. You want them to be bright green and tender-crisp, but not mushy! Once done, drain the broccoli and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. Mixing the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, blanched broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, and diced ham if you’re using it. Stir everything together to mix well.
4. Making the Dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper until it’s nice and smooth. If you like it a bit tangy, feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste!
5. Combining Everything:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Toss everything together gently, making sure all the ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing.
6. Chilling:
Once everything is mixed, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 1 hour so the flavors can blend and develop—this is key to a tasty salad!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, give it a good stir and serve it cold. Enjoy your delicious Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad as a refreshing side dish or even as a main course!
Can I Use Another Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cheddar, you can swap it for Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a vegan cheese alternative. Just make sure to choose a cheese that melts well if you prefer a creamier texture!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the diced cooked ham. You might consider adding some extra protein, like chickpeas or kidney beans, for added texture and nutrition.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! This pasta salad is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle a bit.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the pasta seems dry upon reheating, you can add a splash of milk or extra dressing to bring it back to life!
