Go Back
–+ servings
Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad - Broccoli, red onion, shredded cheese and rotini pasta tossed in a sweet, creamy dressing! Everyone always asks for seconds!
Print

Cheddar Broccoli Pasta Salad

Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad - Broccoli, red onion, shredded cheese and rotini pasta tossed in a sweet, creamy dressing! Everyone always asks for seconds!
Course Salad
Servings 6
Calories 525kcal
Author Sara

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces tri-colored rotini pasta cooked, drained and rinsed under cool water
  • 12 ounces of broccoli chopped
  • ½ cup red onion diced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups Miracle Whip
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, combine the pasta, broccoli, red onion and cheese.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the Miracle Whip, sugar and vinegar.
  • Slowly drizzle the dressing over the pasta, broccoli, onion and cheese and stir to combine.
  • Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

  1. Blanch Broccoli for Texture: To maintain the vibrant green color and crisp texture of the broccoli in the salad, consider blanching it briefly before adding it to the pasta. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then submerge the broccoli in boiling water for about 1-2 minutes, then transfer it to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This helps preserve the broccoli's color and crunch while still allowing it to soften slightly for better incorporation into the salad.
  2. Adjust Dressing Consistency: The dressing provides creaminess and flavor to the pasta salad. When whisking together the Miracle Whip, sugar, and vinegar, adjust the consistency of the dressing to your preference. If you prefer a thinner dressing, you can add a little more vinegar or a splash of water. Conversely, if you prefer a thicker dressing, you can reduce the amount of vinegar or increase the amount of Miracle Whip.
  3. Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1-2 hours before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the salad. It also gives the ingredients time to absorb the dressing, resulting in a more flavorful and cohesive dish. Stir the salad again before serving to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed.

Nutrition

Calories: 525kcal | Carbohydrates: 78g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 939mg | Potassium: 400mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 790IU | Vitamin C: 52mg | Calcium: 314mg | Iron: 1mg