Fresh Broccoli cut into bite size pieces, shredded cheese, and al dente pasta, this Broccoli Crunch Pasta Salad is a delicious side dish that is simple to make and great to share!
I am all about classic pasta salads, and every family has their "signature" version it seems. Sometimes it is fun to switch it up though-- enter this tasty Broccoli Crunch Salad!
There are some combinations that just go together. I have spoken before about all of the delicious ways to enjoy jalapeno cheddar, like jalapeno cheddar wontons, jalapeno cheddar chicken, jalapeno cheddar cauliflower rice.
Just like my love for jalapeno cheddar, broccoli cheddar is another stellar flavor combination. You are probably most familiar with broccoli cheddar soup, and it's a combination that can work it many dishes, like pasta salad!
Is this the recipe for walmart's broccoli crunch salad?
It is very similar! It is a tad bit healthier, as I used greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise. The walmart recipe also called for a lot more sugar than what is used in this pasta salad recipe. It is lightly sweetened and still creamy, just with lower fat and lower sugar.
If you would to make this recipe a copycat walmart broccoli cheddar salad, double the sugar and substitute in mayo or miracle whip in place of the greek yogurt. Walmart also uses rotini pasta in their version, although any short pasta shape will work.
Ingredients for Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad
- dry pasta (rotini, gemelli, penne, etc.)
- apple cider vinegar
- sugar
- pepper
- salt
- shredded cheddar cheese (monterey jack also works!)
- greek yogurt
- broccoli
- red onion
How to Make Broccoli Pasta Salad
Cook pasta according to packaging instructions.
While the pasta is cooking chop broccoli into small bite-sized pieces. The broccoli in this recipe is served raw so you want to make sure it's small.
Dice red onion.
In a large bowl, combine sauce ingredients including, greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper.
Add hot pasta, diced red onion, and broccoli, and stir to coat.
As a last step, stir in shredded cheese until just combined. Serve warm or cold.
What to serve with Pasta Salad
This broccoli cheddar salad recipe is just waiting to be served at your next potluck or BBQ. Serve it alongside any of your favorites like fried chicken, burgers, or hot dogs.
This pasta salad is also great for brunches with its fresh color and crunch. It looks so pretty on a table!
Other Pasta Salad Recipes
- Greek Pasta Salad
- Herb Orzo Pasta Salad
- Tuna Pasta Salad
- Lemon and Arugula Capellini
- Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
How to Store Pasta Salad
Because there is dairy in it, pasta salad should not be kept at room temperature for more than a couple hours.
Before serving, keep in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
The pasta salad may stiffen once cold. You can keep the apple cider vinegar yogurt dressing separate and combine just before serving, if desired. In a pinch, I have added a few tablespoons of warm water to fresh up the pasta salad when taking it directly from the fridge.
Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- ¾ of a pound dry pasta
- ¼ a cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 cups broccoli bite sized pieces
- ½ red onion diced
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to packaging instructions.
- While the pasta is cooking chop broccoli into small bite-sized pieces. The broccoli in this recipe is served raw so you want to make sure it's small.
- Dice red onion.
- In a large bowl, combine sauce ingredients including, greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper.
- Add hot pasta, diced red onion, and broccoli, and stir to coat.
- As a last step, stir in shredded cheese until just combined. Serve warm or cold.
Nancy
Error in recipe.....not 2 Tablespoons of salt, must be teaspoons. Otherwise made exactly as instructed and it was a huge hit with my picky picky picky eaters!
Sarah
Nancy, Thank you for bringing this to my attention! It has been edited. I am glad your family enjoyed! -Sarah