Get ready to transform your ordinary lunch or potluck with a show-stopping Poppy Seed Pasta Salad that's about to become your new obsession! This vibrant, zesty dish combines the perfect balance of textures and flavors, creating a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone begging for your recipe. Whether you're a busy home cook or a seasoned chef, this incredibly easy and delicious pasta salad promises to elevate your meal game with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup poppy seed dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Rinse the 1 cup of broccoli florets under cold water and chop them into bite-sized pieces if necessary. Dice the 1/2 cup of red bell pepper and 1/4 cup of red onion into small pieces.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Let it drain thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, broccoli florets, diced red bell pepper, and diced red onion. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure they are evenly mixed.
- Drizzle the 1/2 cup of poppy seed dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss the salad gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to incorporate the seasoning.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnishing with extra poppy seeds if desired.
Tips
- Cook pasta al dente: Be careful not to overcook the rotini - you want a slight firmness to maintain the perfect texture.
- Chill thoroughly: Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (instead of just 10) will help the flavors develop more intensely.
- Customize your veggies: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or corn for extra crunch and color.
- Dressing hack: For an extra flavor boost, mix a tablespoon of fresh herbs like parsley or dill into your poppy seed dressing.
- Make ahead friendly: This pasta salad actually tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or advance party planning.
- Keep it cold: Serve chilled for the most refreshing experience, and consider placing the serving bowl on a bed of ice for outdoor events.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 256kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
