Vibrant Broccoli Pasta Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette: A Potluck Superstar

My love affair with this Broccoli Pasta Salad began at my friend’s backyard gathering. While everyone gravitated toward the usual potato salad and coleslaw, I noticed a colorful bowl of pasta tucked between them. One curious bite and I was hooked! The bright, mustard vinaigrette was nothing like the typical Italian dressing versions I’d tried before. When the bowl emptied within minutes, I knew I had to get the recipe. This has become my signature potluck contribution after tweaking it in my kitchen (adding more fresh herbs and perfecting that tangy dressing). The best part? I can make it the day before, and it tastes even better as the flavors meld overnight.

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Why This Recipe Works

This bright, flavorful pasta salad stands out from traditional versions thanks to its homemade mustard vinaigrette that perfectly balances tangy and savory notes. Unlike typical pasta salads drowning in heavy mayo or predictable Italian dressing, this vinaigrette lets the fresh ingredients shine while adding depth of flavor. Combining al dente pasta, crisp-tender broccoli, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella creates satisfying texture contrasts in every bite. Fresh herbs add brightness, while the pasta’s ridges capture the dressing for maximum flavor. This versatile salad works equally well as a side dish or light main course, simple to prepare yet impressive to serve.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

• Rigatoni pasta – Provides hearty base with ridges that capture the dressing
• Broccoli florets – Deliver fresh crunch and nutritional boost
• Mozzarella cheese – Adds creamy, mild flavor that balances the tangy dressing
• Cherry tomatoes – Contribute juicy sweetness and vibrant color
• Fresh parsley – Offers bright, clean flavor and visual appeal
• Fresh basil – Provides aromatic, sweet notes that complement the vegetables

For the Mustard Vinaigrette:

• Vegetable oil – Creates a smooth base for the dressing
• Lemon juice – Adds bright acidity that wakes up all flavors
• Dijon mustard – Contributes tangy depth and helps emulsify the dressing
• Garlic – Delivers aromatic pungency that infuses the entire salad
• Salt and pepper – Enhance and balance all other flavors

CopyKat Tip: You can buy precut broccoli as a shortcut, but you would probably still need to trim the stems and cut up any large florets.

How to Make Pasta Salad with Broccoli and Tomatoes

This cold pasta broccoli salad recipe is straightforward to make as follows:

1. Combine all of the vinaigrette ingredients in a jar.
2. Cover tightly and shake vigorously until well blended.
3. Boil the pasta in a large pot of water according to the package instructions. Drain. Rinse with cold water, and drain.
4. Place the drained pasta in a large bowl.

5. Blanch the broccoli in a small amount of boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes or until slightly tender. Drain. Rinse with cold water and drain.
6. Add the broccoli, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and herbs to the bowl with the pasta.

7. Shake or whisk the vinaigrette if it has separated.
8. Pour it over the salad ingredients and toss to combine.

Although this recipe discards the broccoli stalks, you may want to consider some uses, such as slicing them thinly and adding them to a broccoli beef stir fry or broccoli cheese soup.

Ingredient Substitutions and Recipe Variations

Pasta salads are the perfect dish for experimenting with new flavors. They are like plain walls that you can decorate how you like. They are also ideal for using whatever is fresh and available that season.

Don’t be afraid to change this delicious salad to suit your taste buds.

• Any pasta with grooves and crevices to soak up the vinaigrette will work. Penne or rotini pasta are great choices. For an extra-colorful salad, use tri-color rotini.
• Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top for an extra Italian touch.
• You can use other types of cheese. Cheddar cheese, in particular, pairs nicely with broccoli.
• Please give it a Mediterranean twist by using creamy feta cheese and kalamata olives.
• To bulk up this pasta salad even more, add extra veggies. Fresh spinach, onions, zucchini, or olives would all be great additions. It’s also a good way to use up those odds and ends of veggies you were wondering what to do with.
• Add some diced red onion or canned artichoke hearts.
• Try enlivening the pasta with bacon, cranberries, and shredded carrots.
• Make it hearty with some meat. Ham, prosciutto, or shredded chicken would be good.
• If you are into fishy choices, try some smoked salmon or tuna. 
• Chopped pecans, walnuts, or slivered almonds are another excellent way to add protein. 
• If you like a salty taste, toss in some salty sunflower seed kernels.

How to Serve Pasta Salad With Broccoli

Although this recipe works great as a side pasta salad, try it as a light meal instead. Lunch and brunch are also perfect, as are get-togethers and potlucks.

When you serve your cold pasta salad outside for a BBQ, rest the bowl in another larger bowl filled with ice to keep it cool and delicious.

What Goes With an Italian Pasta Salad With Broccoli?

This pasta broccoli salad makes a fantastic hearty side alongside many dishes such as:

• Deviled Eggs
• Fried chicken
• Kebabs
• Pulled Pork
• Smoked Eye of Round

How to Store Leftover Pasta and Broccoli Salad

Storage for this pasta salad is simple:

• Refrigerator: This dish will last up to 5 days in the fridge. Be sure to store it in a covered airtight container.
• Freezer: You can freeze this mayonnaise-free pasta salad in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good in the freezer for about three months.

Love side dish salads? Check out these recipes!

• Simple Macaroni Salad
• Ranch Pasta Salad
• Pea Salad
• Broccoli Cheddar Salad
• Homemade Potato Salad
• Copycat Panera Salads
• Carrot Salad with Raisins
• Asian Slaw Recipe Ramen
• Marinated Mozzarella
• Grape Salad with Cream Cheese and Walnuts

Best Broccoli Cheese Recipes

• Oven Baked Broccoli and Cheese
• Copycat Broccoli Cheese Soup
• Chicken Cheddar Broccoli Bake

Check out more of my easy salads and the best side dish recipes.