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Nadia James

Broccoli Cheddar Christmas Pasta Salad

Broccoli Cheddar Christmas Pasta Salad — A travel-friendly, chilled pasta salad with a bright dressing.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Resting / chilling / cooling 30 minutes
Total Time 57 minutes
Servings: 8 portions
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American-inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces dry short pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup blanched broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup cubed cheddar

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in salted water following the package directions; drain and rinse under cool water.
  2. Whisk oil, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
  3. Add drained pasta and mix-ins (blanched broccoli florets, cubed cheddar); toss until coated.
  4. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes; toss again before serving.

Notes

  • Rinsing cools pasta quickly for a picnic-style salad.
Storage: Refrigerate promptly, transport chilled and use within 3 days. Do not keep perishable pasta salad at room temperature over 2 hours.
Serving suggestion: Serve on a festive platter.