Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad is a popular American side dish, especially common at potlucks and barbecues. It typically combines cooked pasta, fresh broccoli florets, and shredded cheddar cheese, all tossed in a creamy dressing often made with mayonnaise, sour cream, or yogurt. The dish is known for its satisfying blend of textures and flavors, from the tender pasta to the crisp broccoli and sharp cheese.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This salad is generally high in carbohydrates from the pasta and fat from the cheese and creamy dressing, with a moderate amount of protein. It provides key nutrients like calcium from the cheese, vitamin C and fiber from the broccoli, and energy-dense calories, often ranging from 300 to 500 calories per serving depending on the recipe.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbs | 32 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
| Vitamin A | 150 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 40 mg |
| Vitamin K | 80 mcg |
| Calcium | 250 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Phosphorus | 200 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.5 mcg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this dish reflects a classic American approach to pasta salads, emphasizing convenience, heartiness, and crowd-pleasing flavors. Nutritionally, it's unique for combining a vegetable like broccoli into a rich, creamy format, which can make it a more appealing way for some people to increase their vegetable intake, though the creamy base means it's often enjoyed as an indulgent treat rather than a light meal.
