I know you love easy and delicious recipes, especially when they feature fresh vegetables and cheese! Today, I’m sharing two fantastic ideas for simple broccoli salads that are perfect for any occasion. These easy cheesy broccoli salads are quick to put together and always a hit with everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a refreshing side dish for a get-together or a light meal that’s packed with flavor, I’ve got you covered. You’ll find a delightful broccoli pasta salad and a classic crunchy broccoli salad, both loaded with simple ingredients and clear steps. Let’s get cooking!
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Easy Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe
This pasta salad is a quick side dish, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight meal. It brings together tender pasta, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy dressing for a satisfying and flavorful mix.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Cheesy Pasta Salad
- Broccoli Florets: Make sure to steam or blanch your broccoli slightly. This makes them tender-crisp, not mushy, which is great for the salad’s texture.
- Pasta Shape: Small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, rotini, or shells work best. They really help hold onto that creamy, cheesy dressing.
What You Need for This Broccoli Pasta Salad
- 1 lb small pasta, cooked and cooled
- 4 cups chopped broccoli florets, lightly steamed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make Your Broccoli Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook Pasta and Prepare Broccoli
Cook your chosen pasta according to the package directions until it’s just right. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Lightly steam the broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp, then cool them as well.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients and Chill
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, steamed broccoli, and shredded cheddar cheese. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth. Pour this creamy dressing over the pasta mixture and mix well to coat all the ingredients evenly. Cover the bowl and chill the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors can blend together nicely.
📝 Final Note
This broccoli pasta salad tastes even better if you make it a few hours ahead and let it chill in the fridge. The extra time helps all the flavors really come together.
Easy Cheesy Broccoli Salad Recipe
This simple broccoli salad is a fresh and crunchy side dish, great for any meal or gathering. It features crisp raw broccoli, a creamy dressing, and a hint of sweetness for a delightful taste that everyone will enjoy.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Your Cheesy Broccoli Salad
- Fresh Broccoli: Always use very fresh, firm broccoli for the best crunch and vibrant green color in your salad. This makes a big difference.
- Dress It Up: For extra texture and flavor, you can add some crispy bacon bits, toasted sunflower seeds, or even a few chopped dried cranberries to your salad.
What You Need for This Easy Broccoli Salad
- 5 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 8 servings
How to Make Your Broccoli Salad
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Wash your fresh broccoli thoroughly and chop the florets into small, bite-sized pieces. Make sure the pieces are small enough to be eaten easily. Finely chop the red onion into very tiny pieces. If your cheddar cheese is not already shredded, shred it now.
Step 2: Combine and Serve the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped broccoli, finely chopped red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth. Pour this creamy dressing over the broccoli mixture and stir everything gently until all the ingredients are well coated. You can serve this salad right away or chill it for later enjoyment.
📝 Final Note
For the best taste, let this crunchy broccoli salad sit in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes before serving. This short chill time helps the dressing’s flavors to really soak into the broccoli.