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
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- 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.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, broccoli, grapes, olives, and red onion.
- In a separate bowl, pour the entire jar of blue cheese dressing.
- 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.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- 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.
- Before serving, taste the salad and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Toss the salad gently again to redistribute the dressing.
- 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