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Broccoli Grape Pasta Salad Recipe

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4 from 3 reviews

This Broccoli Grape Pasta Salad is a refreshing, crunchy, and sweet dish perfect for gatherings or as a light meal. It features tender mini bowtie pasta combined with fresh broccoli florets, juicy halved grapes, crunchy pecans, and a creamy honey-Dijon dressing. Chilled before serving, this salad balances savory, sweet, and tangy flavors with a satisfying texture.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 to 5 cups fresh broccoli (about 1 pound or 2 stalks), stems removed and cut into bite-size pieces
  • 8 ounces mini bowtie pasta (half of a 16-ounce package)
  • 2 cups halved grapes
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
  • 1/3 cup diced red onion

Dressing Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise (preferably Hellman’s or Best Foods)
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pasta: Cook the mini bowtie pasta according to the package directions, ensuring the water is generously salted to season the pasta. Once al dente, drain and rinse it under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside to reach room temperature.
  2. Prepare Broccoli: Remove the stems from the broccoli stalks and cut the florets into bite-size pieces, ready to combine with the other salad ingredients.
  3. Make Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, cooked and cooled pasta, and halved grapes for a balance of textures and flavors.
  4. Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, honey, and fresh lemon juice. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste, and continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  5. Dress Salad: Pour the dressing over the broccoli, pasta, and grapes mixture. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly. Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for 30 minutes up to 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
  6. Finish: Just before serving, stir in the coarsely chopped pecans and diced red onion to add a crunchy and sharp contrast to the creamy, fruity salad.

Notes

  • Toasting the pecans lightly before adding can enhance their flavor and crunch.
  • If you prefer a milder onion taste, soak the diced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes before rinsing and draining.
  • This salad is best served chilled but can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/broccoli-grape-pasta-salad-recipe/