This is a fresh, slightly tangy pasta salad with an abundance of flavors and textures. We make it on repeat all summer long.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time10 minutesmins
Total Time20 minutesmins
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6servings
Calories: 297kcal
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
8ouncessalad macaroni or ditalini pasta
1cuptiny broccoli florets
½cupdiced cucumber
½cupfinely diced red pepper
½cupsliced black olives
¼cupvery thinly sliced green onion
Dressing Ingredients
½cupmayonnaise
2teaspoonswhite wine or plain vinegar
½teaspoonkosher saltadjust to taste
½teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
½teaspoonsugar
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package, adding a generous tablespoon or so of kosher salt to the water as it cooks. Just before the noodles are done cooking, add the broccoli to the pot. Let the broccoli boil for about 30 seconds and then drain everything into a large colander. Rinse well with cold water.
Stir together the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, pepper, and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked pasta and broccoli to the bowl and stir well to coat.
Add the cucumber, pepper, olives, and onions and stir again. Taste and adjust seasonings, if needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Stir again just before serving.
Notes
If you forget to toss the broccoli in the boiling water at the end of the pasta's cooking time, you can also steam it in the microwave. Place the broccoli in a glass bowl along with a tablespoon of water. Microwave for 60-90 seconds, until the broccoli is bright green and barely softened.