Creamy Pasta Salad with Broccoli and Bell Pepper 🥦🌶️

This vibrant and satisfying pasta salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish for any meal! The creamy dressing combined with the crunch of fresh vegetables creates a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Plus, it's super easy to customize with your favorite ingredients!

Ingredients

For the pasta salad

• 8 oz (about 2 cups) of rotini or fusilli pasta
• 2 cups of broccoli florets (fresh or blanched)
• 1 cup of bell peppers (red, yellow, and/or green), diced
• 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup of red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)

For the creamy dressing

• 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise, if preferred)
• 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp of Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp of garlic powder
• 1 tsp of onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 tbsp of honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness

Instructions

• Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

🥄 Rinsing the pasta helps stop the cooking process and keeps it from sticking together!

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli florets, diced bell peppers, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion, and shredded cheese.

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional sweetener until smooth and creamy.

🧊 For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the dressing.

• Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, and toss everything together until well combined. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.

• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.

🌬️ This pasta salad can be made a day in advance, making it a perfect meal prep option!

Variations

• Protein-packed: Add grilled chicken, diced ham, or chickpeas for extra protein. 🥚🍗
• Herb-infused: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil for added freshness. 🌿
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.
• Vegan: Swap Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative for a creamy vegan option.

Enjoy your Creamy Pasta Salad with Broccoli and Bell Pepper as a refreshing meal or side dish any day of the week! 🌈🥗