Tomato-Broccoli Salad

Italian Tomato-Broccoli Salad Recipe with Cheese and Pasta

Region / culture: Italy | Servings: 6

Introduction

Tomato-Broccoli Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. This salad is packed with fresh vegetables and tossed in a tangy Italian dressing, making it a healthy and delicious option for any occasion.

History

The combination of tomatoes and broccoli in a salad is a classic pairing that has been enjoyed for generations. This recipe takes that classic combination and adds a twist with the addition of pasta and Italian dressing, creating a unique and tasty dish that is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

1 (8 oz) package spiral pasta
1.5 cups fresh, chopped broccoli
2 cups fresh, diced tomatoes
3 tbsp shredded Italian-style cheese
3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese, divided
0.5 tbsp italian seasoning
0.25 tsp salt
1 cup italian dressing

How to prepare

Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package. Drain the pasta well and place it in a bowl to cool.
Stir in the chopped broccoli and diced tomatoes into the drained pasta.
Combine two tablespoons of each cheese with the seasoning and salt.
Mix the cheese mixture into the tomato-broccoli-pasta mixture.
Toss the mixture with Italian dressing and sprinkle with the remaining cheeses.

Variations

Add in some grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
Use different types of pasta such as penne or bowtie.
Add in some olives or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pasta al dente so that it holds up well in the salad.

- Make sure to drain the pasta well and allow it to cool before adding the other ingredients.

- For added flavor, you can roast the broccoli before adding it to the salad.

- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables or add in some protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.

Serving Suggestions

Tomato-Broccoli Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the pasta al dente so that it holds up well in the salad.

- Allow the pasta to cool before adding the other ingredients to prevent them from wilting.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use gluten-free pasta if you have a gluten intolerance.

- Feel free to use any type of cheese you prefer in place of the Italian-style cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

Tomato-Broccoli Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to toss it with the dressing right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Tomato-Broccoli Salad in a large bowl garnished with fresh basil leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or steak. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Tomato-Broccoli Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tomato-Broccoli Salad contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tomato-Broccoli Salad contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tomato-Broccoli Salad contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Tomato-Broccoli Salad contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Tomato-Broccoli Salad is a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. It also contains minerals such as potassium and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy in the form of cheese. It may also contain gluten if using regular pasta.

Summary

Tomato-Broccoli Salad is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for those looking to eat a healthy and balanced diet.

Summary

Tomato-Broccoli Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. Packed with fresh vegetables and tossed in a tangy Italian dressing, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it as a side dish or as a light and refreshing meal on its own.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Tomato-Broccoli Salad. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning to cook from my own grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, always experimenting with different ingredients and flavors to create delicious dishes that would wow our family and friends.

One summer day, while helping my grandmother in the kitchen, she pulled out a head of fresh broccoli and a basket of ripe tomatoes from her garden. She began chopping the broccoli into florets and slicing the tomatoes into wedges, all the while explaining to me the importance of using fresh, seasonal ingredients in cooking.

As she tossed the vegetables together in a large bowl, my grandmother shared with me the story of how she learned to make this salad. She told me that many years ago, she had attended a cooking class taught by a renowned chef who specialized in farm-to-table cuisine. During the class, the chef had demonstrated how to make a simple yet flavorful salad using just a few key ingredients.

My grandmother was inspired by the chef's creativity and passion for cooking, and she immediately knew that she had to recreate the recipe at home. She made a few adjustments to the original recipe, adding her own twist with a homemade dressing made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of honey for sweetness.

The end result was a refreshing and vibrant salad that was bursting with flavor. The combination of the sweet tomatoes, crunchy broccoli, and tangy dressing was a perfect balance of textures and tastes. My grandmother's Tomato-Broccoli Salad quickly became a family favorite, and she would often make it for special occasions and gatherings.

Over the years, my grandmother continued to refine the recipe, adding in new ingredients and experimenting with different flavors. She would often swap out the tomatoes for other seasonal vegetables, such as cucumbers or bell peppers, and she would occasionally sprinkle in some toasted nuts or seeds for added crunch.

As I grew older, I began to help my grandmother in the kitchen more and more, learning the ins and outs of her recipes and techniques. I watched as she effortlessly whipped up dishes with precision and skill, always ensuring that every ingredient was perfectly balanced and every dish was cooked to perfection.

One day, as my own children sat at the kitchen table eagerly awaiting dinner, I decided to try my hand at making my grandmother's Tomato-Broccoli Salad. I gathered the ingredients and got to work, chopping, mixing, and tossing just as she had taught me all those years ago.

As I drizzled the dressing over the salad and gave it a final toss, I couldn't help but smile at the memories that flooded back to me. The familiar scent of fresh vegetables and tangy vinaigrette filled the air, reminding me of the countless meals I had shared with my grandmother over the years.

When I served the salad to my family that evening, they immediately dug in, their faces lighting up with delight as they tasted the familiar flavors of my grandmother's recipe. As we sat around the table, laughing and sharing stories, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the culinary legacy that my grandmother had passed down to me.

And as I watched my own children savoring each bite of the Tomato-Broccoli Salad, I knew that this recipe would be one that would continue to be shared and cherished for generations to come. The simple yet delicious combination of fresh vegetables, homemade dressing, and love that my grandmother had put into this dish would forever hold a special place in our hearts and on our table.