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broccoli pasta salad

A fresh and hearty pasta salad with crisp vegetables and a creamy lemon tahini dressing. Easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for quick meals or meal prep.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups small broccoli florets
  • 1 cup cut green beans
  • 2 cups uncooked gluten free fusilli pasta
  • 1 small zucchini thinly sliced and cut into half moons (or spiralized)
  • 1 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
  • 4 oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes chopped
  • 8 fresh basil leaves thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup pine nuts
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Lemon Tahini dressing: can be made ahead
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons tahini
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice more for squeezing at the end
  • 2 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 3 tablespoons water

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Colander
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Large serving bowl

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, mustard, maple syrup, salt, and water. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Blanch vegetables: Bring salted water to a boil and prepare an ice bath. Add broccoli and green beans to boiling water for 1–2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Cool immediately: Transfer veggies to ice water for about 15 seconds, then drain and dry.
  4. Step 4: Cook pasta: In a pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  5. Step 5: Combine everything: In a large bowl, mix broccoli, green beans, zucchini, tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and pasta.
  6. Step 6: Add dressing: Drizzle dressing over and toss well.
  7. Step 7: Season: Add salt, pepper, and extra lemon juice if needed.
  8. Step 8: Finish and chill: Sprinkle pine nuts and chill for 15 minutes before serving.