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Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad in rustic bowl

Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad: A Creamy, Crunchy Summer Favorite


  • Author: Cindy
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

  • Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad blends bold Caesar flavors with crisp broccoli and pasta for a refreshing, satisfying twist. Perfect for summer meals.

Ingredients

  • For the Dressing:

    • 1 large garlic clove, finely chopped

    • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

    • 3 anchovy fillets (in oil), finely minced into a paste

    • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)

    • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

    • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

    • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

    For the Salad:

    • 4 ounces crusty bread, torn into bite-size pieces

    • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

    • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

    • 8 ounces broccoli, cut into 1-inch florets

    • 8 ounces cavatappi pasta (or similar short pasta)

    • 1/2 ounce finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/4 cup)


Instructions

  • Make the Dressing:
    In a small bowl, mix the chopped garlic with lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes. On a cutting board, mash the anchovies with 1/8 teaspoon salt into a paste. Add this paste to the garlic-lemon mixture along with mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Whisk well. Taste and adjust with more salt or lemon juice if desired. Cover and refrigerate until needed.

  • Prepare the Croutons:
    Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss the torn bread pieces with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Spread the bread on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, until golden and crisp. Let cool.

  • Cook the Broccoli and Pasta:
    Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3–4 minutes, until just tender. Use a sieve to lift out the broccoli and set it aside in a large bowl. In the same water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and add to the broccoli. Toss with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

  • Assemble the Salad:
    Toss the chilled pasta and broccoli with about three-quarters of the dressing. Crush half of the croutons and mix them in along with three-quarters of the Parmesan cheese. Toss until combined.

  • Serve:
    Transfer the salad to a serving bowl. Top with remaining croutons and Parmesan. Serve the remaining dressing on the side.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Pasta and Grain Salads
  • Method: Boiling, Baking, Tossing
  • Cuisine: American