Ingredients
– 8 ounces (about 225 grams) pasta (radiatore or any preferred shape) forms the hearty base
– One head of broccoli to be blanched for bright green color and tender texture
– Chopped avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats (quantity as needed, typically one medium avocado)
– One cup of browned breadcrumbs made from stale bread, toasted in 2 tablespoons of butter provides the crunchy topping
– Fresh herbs: green onions (sliced, about 1/4 cup) and basil (chopped, about 1/4 cup) for a burst of flavor
– Grated parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup or 50 grams for the dressing, plus extra for garnish) enhances the savory depth
– Half a cup (120 ml) mayonnaise or Greek yogurt or a combination of both serves as the base for the creamy dressing
– 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil adds richness to the dressing
– One finely minced garlic clove infuses aromatic notes
– Juice of one lemon brings tanginess
– One teaspoon Dijon mustard for a sharp kick
– Two teaspoons Worcestershire sauce or anchovy paste adds umami
– Salt and black pepper to taste seasons the dressing perfectly
Instructions
1-First: blanch the broccoli florets in heavily salted boiling water for about 30 seconds, then place them in an ice bath to stop cooking and maintain texture.
2-Next: cook 8 ounces of pasta in the same pot until tender, drain it, rinse with cold water, and toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent clumping.
3-In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and blanched broccoli with the other ingredients like diced avocado, sliced green onions, and chopped basil.
4-Now, prepare the dressing by whisking together half a cup of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, one minced garlic clove, juice of one lemon, one teaspoon Dijon mustard, two teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, half a cup of grated parmesan, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
5-Pour this over the pasta and veggie mix, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
6-Finally, top with one cup of browned breadcrumbs and extra parmesan for that crunchy finish.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🥑 Add avocado and breadcrumbs right before serving to keep textures fresh.
🌿 Vary herbs like dill, parsley, or chives for different flavor profiles.
🍝 Substitute pasta shapes or vegetables to customize the salad to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling, blanching, tossing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg