California Chicken Cafe Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe
California Chicken Cafe is a popular restaurant in California known for its delicious and healthy dishes. One of their most loved recipes is the California Chicken Cafe Broccoli Pasta Salad. This refreshing salad is perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a light lunch option on a hot day. Made with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fusilli pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- In a steamer basket, steam the broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and rinse under cold water to cool down. Drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, steamed broccoli, cherry tomatoes, red onion, black olives, feta cheese, and fresh parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can also sprinkle some additional fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese on top for garnish.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Serves: 6
This California Chicken Cafe Broccoli Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish packed with healthy ingredients. The combination of tender pasta, crisp broccoli, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. With just the right amount of crunch, creaminess, and tang, this salad is sure to please everyone at your next gathering. Serve it as a side dish or enjoy it as a light and satisfying main course. Either way, this salad is a true crowd-pleaser!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
– Calories: 320
– Total Fat: 14g
– Saturated Fat: 3g
– Cholesterol: 10mg
– Sodium: 280mg
– Total Carbohydrate: 39g
– Dietary Fiber: 4g
– Sugars: 5g
– Protein: 10g
Story Conclusion:
The California Chicken Cafe Broccoli Pasta Salad is a delectable recipe that brings together the vibrant flavors of California in a refreshing and healthy dish. It showcases the abundance of fresh produce available in the state, with broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and parsley adding a burst of color and nutrition to the salad. The fusion of Mediterranean ingredients like black olives, feta cheese, and olive oil with the tangy dressing creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you craving for more.
This salad is not only incredibly delicious but also incredibly versatile. It can be served as a starter, a side dish, or even as a light main course. Its vibrant appearance and vibrant flavors make it a stunning addition to any table, whether it’s a casual picnic or an elegant dinner party.
What makes this salad truly special is the combination of textures. The al dente fusilli pasta provides a satisfying chew, while the crunchy broccoli and juicy cherry tomatoes add a refreshing bite. The tangy feta cheese and zesty dressing tie everything together, creating a perfectly balanced dish that is both satisfying and light.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch option, a vibrant side dish, or a crowd-pleasing recipe for your next gathering, the California Chicken Cafe Broccoli Pasta Salad is a fantastic choice. It’s quick and easy to make, bursting with flavors, and guaranteed to impress your taste buds. Give it a try and elevate your salad game to a whole new level!