Easiest ever Broccoli Kale Pasta Salad
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Broccoli Kale Pasta Salad is a fresh and simple dish that’s good for lunch, dinner, meal prep, or as a side dish. It’s filling, easy to prepare, and a great way to add vegetables to your meal.
Broccoli Kale Pasta Salad
When I was shopping for the ingredients for this recipe, I realized it was cheaper to get a salad mix than buy broccoli and carrots individually – especially since I wasn’t making a large amount. That’s when I found this broccoli and kale salad mix and thought it would be perfect.
A Brief History of Pasta Salad
Pasta salad became popular in the United States in the 20th century, with Italian-American influences shaping its flavors. It started as a simple dish of pasta mixed with oil and vinegar, later evolving to include vegetables, cheese, and proteins. Over time, different variations emerged, making it a versatile dish that fits many occasions. (source)
PMc says:
This salad is a great option for meal prep and potlucks because it holds up well in the fridge without getting soggy.
Nutritional Value of Kale and Broccoli
Kale is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants that support overall health. Broccoli provides vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, along with compounds that may support immune function. Both vegetables are great sources of fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you full longer.
Ingredients
The full recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions is at the bottom of this post. You can save a tree and the recipe to your personal and private recipe box here on Call Me PMc. This way, you’ll never misplace it.
- Kale Pecan Cranberry Chopped Salad Kit
- Pasta, cooked and drained. Quinoa is a good protein option.
- parmesan cheese, grated
- mayonnaise
- Ranch seasoning mix, not Ranch dressing
- onion powder
- garlic powder
Broccoli Kale Pasta Salad Tips and Subs
You can make this using broccoli slaw or regular coleslaw mix and add 1/4 cup dried cranberries and two tablespoons of chopped nuts. The salad mix I used had pecans, but you can use almonds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, or another nut.
Kale Pecan Cranberry Chopped Salad Kit comes with a cranberry & nut packet, a mustard dressing packet, and croutons. You will use the cranberry nut packet and mustard dressing packet. You can use the croutons for another salad or discard.
I also added Parmesan cheese. You can use shredded cheddar, Monterrey, Pepper Jack or your favorite cheese.
I used ditalini pasta but any short cut pasta will work. Elbo macaroni will be good.
Broccoli Kale Pasta Salad FAQ
How long does this pasta salad last?
It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container for best results.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
No, I don’t recommend frozen vegetables for this recipe.
What protein can I add?
You can add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu. Or, substitute quinoa for the pasta.
Broccoli Kale Pasta Salad is a simple and nutritious meal that works for different occasions. It is easy to customize with different ingredients and keeps well for meal prep. Whether you serve it fresh or chilled, it is a great way to enjoy a balanced meal with plenty of vegetables.
Easiest ever Broccoli Kale Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 7 ounce bag Kale Pecan Cranberry Chopped Salad Kit
- 8 ounces pasta cooked and drained
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese grated
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Ranch seasoning mix mix, not Ranch dressing
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook and drain the pasta. Allow it to cool.8 ounces pasta
- In a bowl, add the pasta, Kale salad mix, the cranberry & nut mix, and the mustard dressing (from the salad), Parmesan, mayo, Ranch seasoning, onion, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.7 ounce bag Kale Pecan Cranberry Chopped Salad Kit, ¼ cup parmesan cheese , ⅔ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Ranch seasoning mix, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- You can serve it immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for an hour and then serve it.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 72 hours.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are important to you, I recommend calculating them yourself.