Pasta salad with roasted broccoli, lemon, and parmesan
Potluck Roasted Broccoli Pasta Salad
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8
8 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Potluck Roasted Broccoli Pasta Salad
Pasta salad with roasted broccoli, lemon, and parmesan
A pasta salad with roasted broccoli and lemon that feels brighter and more modern than the usual deli-style version.
20m
Prep Time
25m
Cook Time
45m
Total Time
8
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Good potluck pasta salads need acid and texture. Roasted broccoli gives both without requiring hard-to-find ingredients.
Ingredients
- 12 oz short pasta
- 1 large head broccoli
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds
- 1 clove garlic
- Black pepper
OvenBake
Test Kitchen Pick
Sheet Pan
Helpful Tool
Why a good sheet pan helps here
The pan is doing more work here than it looks like. A sturdy, evenly heating sheet pan gives you better browning and fewer hot spots.
This recipe benefits from more even oven contact and easier cleanup.
- Promotes more even browning
- Useful across weeknight roasts and baking
A heavy rimmed sheet pan is one of the highest-use tools in almost any kitchen.
Shop sheet pan options for this recipeInstructions
- 1
Roast the broccoli until browned at the edges.
- 2
Cook the pasta and cool it slightly.
- 3
Toss the pasta with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and black pepper.
- 4
Fold in the broccoli, parmesan, and almonds.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Finish with freshly grated Parmesan and a crack of black pepper
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Olive Oil
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the olive oil matters
On recipes like this, olive oil is not just a background fat. A better bottle gives you cleaner flavor and a better finish.
This is one of the few pantry upgrades that keeps paying off every time you cook in this lane.
- Useful in dressings, sauces, and finishing
- Improves flavor without changing the recipe structure
A good bottle of olive oil is one of the safest pantry upgrades for Mediterranean and Italian cooking.
Shop olive oil for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Dress it while slightly warm.
A little chili flake works well.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave until hot.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 scoop) · 8 servings
Calories290
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein9g
Carbohydrates35g
Fat12g
Fiber3g
Sugar3g
Sodium250mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead?
- Yes. The components or finished dish hold well if properly chilled and stored.
- Can I adjust the seasoning?
- Yes. Taste near the end and adjust salt, acid, or heat so it suits the way you like to cook and eat.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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