Andi S Pasta Salad W Blue Cheese Broccoli And Grapes Recipe

Craving a creamy, dreamy pasta salad? This recipe, inspired by a family secret, is bursting with flavor! Tangy blue cheese dressing coats perfectly cooked pasta, crunchy broccoli, sweet grapes, and briny olives. A touch of red onion adds a delightful bite. This make-ahead salad gets even better as it chills, allowing the pasta to absorb the rich dressing. Garnish with crumbled bacon or parmesan for extra indulgence! (Note: Using full-fat blue cheese dressing is key to the best results.)

Prep Time 60 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Calories 392.8 kcal
Protein 14g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Andi S Pasta Salad W Blue Cheese Broccoli And Grapes

Recipe Actions

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Andi S Pasta Salad W Blue Cheese Broccoli And Grapes

  • Rotini Pasta
  • Fresh Broccoli
  • White Seedless Grapes
  • Black Olives
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • Bleu Cheese Salad Dressing
  • Salt
  • Fresh Ground Black Pepper
  • Cooked Bacon

How to Make Andi S Pasta Salad W Blue Cheese Broccoli And Grapes

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. While the pasta cooks, steam or blanch broccoli florets until crisp-tender (about 3-5 minutes). Immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and maintain vibrant color.
  3. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, broccoli, grapes, olives, and red onion.
  4. In a separate bowl, pour the entire jar of blue cheese dressing.
  5. Add reserved olive brine, 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking until the dressing reaches your desired consistency. You may not need all 1/4 cup.
  6. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the dressing.
  8. Before serving, taste the salad and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  9. Toss the salad gently again to redistribute the dressing.
  10. Garnish with crumbled bacon and/or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

32 g

Sugar

29g

Fat

21g

Carbs

12g