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Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 123 reviews

This Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful twist on the classic Caesar salad, combining tender broccoli florets and al dente cavatappi pasta with a rich, tangy homemade Caesar dressing. Topped with crunchy homemade croutons and freshly grated Parmesan, it’s a perfect make-ahead salad ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a light, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Dressing

  • 1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 3 anchovy fillets, preferably packed in oil
  • 1/8 tsp. kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Croutons

  • 4 oz. white country-style bread, torn into 3/4” pieces
  • 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1/8 tsp. kosher salt

Salad

  • 8 oz. broccoli, cut into 1” florets
  • 8 oz. cavatappi pasta
  • 1/8 tsp. kosher salt, plus more as needed
  • 1/2 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1/4 cup)

Instructions

  1. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine finely chopped garlic and fresh lemon juice. Allow to sit for 5 minutes to soften and blend the flavors.
  2. Prepare Anchovy Paste: On a cutting board, finely chop anchovies. Sprinkle 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt on top and continue chopping while smashing the anchovies with the flat edge of the knife blade until a smooth paste forms.
  3. Combine Dressing Ingredients: To the garlic and lemon mixture, add mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, freshly ground black pepper, and anchovy paste. Whisk thoroughly to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt or lemon juice if desired. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. The dressing can be made up to one day ahead and stored airtight in the fridge.
  4. Make Croutons: Preheat the oven to 400°F and arrange a rack in the center. In a large bowl, toss the torn bread pieces with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt. Spread the bread evenly on a large metal baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool.
  5. Cook Broccoli: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets and cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. Using a fine-mesh sieve, drain the broccoli and transfer to a reserved bowl. Reserve the boiling water in the pot for the pasta.
  6. Cook Pasta: Return the reserved water to a boil. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, stirring occasionally. Drain the pasta in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water to stop cooking and wash off excess starch.
  7. Toss Pasta and Broccoli: Transfer the drained pasta to the bowl with broccoli. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate the pasta and broccoli mixture until chilled, at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.
  8. Assemble Salad: Drizzle about three-quarters of the prepared Caesar dressing over the chilled pasta and broccoli. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  9. Add Cheese and Croutons: Coarsely crush half of the homemade croutons and add them along with three-quarters of the finely grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta salad. Toss until combined.
  10. Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl. Top with the remaining whole croutons and the rest of the Parmesan cheese. Serve with the remaining dressing on the side for extra flavor as desired.

Notes

  • The dressing can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor in the dressing.
  • Choosing country-style or rustic white bread yields crispier croutons.
  • Cooling pasta under cold water stops the cooking process and prevents it from becoming mushy when chilled.
  • Feel free to customize by adding grilled chicken or bacon for a heartier salad.

Keywords: Broccoli Caesar Pasta Salad, Caesar Salad, Pasta Salad, Broccoli Salad, Homemade Caesar Dressing, Croutons, Cavatappi Pasta

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/broccoli-caesar-pasta-salad-recipe/