Broccoli and Bowties ~ Pasta Salad Recipe

What a perfect way to use up fresh broccoli from your garden this summer! This broccoli pasta salad is a perfect companion to some grilled chicken or beef on the BBQ. Make a big bowl and share it with friends as it is perfect for potlucks etc.

The addition of salt-cured lemons (recipe to come) to this pasta salad recipe really brings it to life. Although it is very good without them, the lemons make you stop and think, “Wow. What was that?” Don’t add extra salt to the salad without tasting, however. The briny cured lemons are very intense on their own, but season a larger dish like this perfectly.

You can make this recipe a day or two ahead and store in the refrigerator, so it’s perfect for taking to summer gatherings.

Ingredients:

Salad:

1 cup Farfalle (Bow-Tie) Pasta, cooked according to package directions

1 head broccoli, florets only

1 red bell pepper, core removed and cut into thin slices

1 yellow bell pepper, core removed and cut into thin slices

4 sliced preserved, salt-cured lemon, finely chopped including rinds

1/4 cup dried cranberries [optional]

Dressing:

1 cup traditional Greek yogurt (full fat)

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

2 T. high-quality extra virgin olive oil

2 T. fresh lemon juice

1 T. fresh lemon zest

salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions:

In a glass bowl, combine yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and zest with a fork or whisk. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Place broccoli florets into a microwave safe bowl with 1 T. water, cover and microwave until slightly tender, about 4 or 5 minutes. Microwave times vary, so check after 3 minutes and adjust time accordingly. Set aside to cool completely.

In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, steamed broccoli, red and yellow pepper, cured lemon and cranberries. Toss to mix well. Add some yogurt dressing and toss again until thoroughly combined and serve.

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