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This creamy pasta and broccoli salad with cheddar and tangy relish dressing is the perfect make-ahead side dish for summer dinners, potlucks, and cookouts.
Creamy Pasta and Broccoli Salad with Cheddar and Tangy Relish Dressing. I’ve always loved those Amish-style broccoli salads, but I wanted to bulk it up a little. So I tossed in macaroni, sharp cheddar, and a sauce that’s essentially a lazy spin on tartar sauce. I didn’t measure like a pro, just scooped and sprinkled until it felt right, but here’s the rough recipe. Trust me, it works.
This pasta and broccoli salad is creamy, crunchy, and cheesy in all the right ways. It’s the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight at potlucks or summer dinners.
Why You’ll Love and Enjoy Creamy Pasta and Broccoli Salad with Cheddar and Tangy Relish Dressing
- It works well for cookouts, potlucks, or as a make-ahead side dish.
- It’s quick and easy to throw together.
- The flavors get better after chilling.
- Cheddar adds richness while broccoli keeps it fresh.

This creamy pasta and broccoli salad with cheddar and tangy relish dressing is the ultimate summer side. A fresh and flavorful pasta salad that’s easy to make ahead for cookouts and gatherings.
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Tangy Pasta and Broccoli Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Refrigerator Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings depending on size 1x
- Category: Salad Recipes
- Method: Easy
Description
A creamy, cheesy, tangy salad that always gets second helpings. Would you make it spicy or keep it mild?
Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli, chopped into bite-size florets
- 3 cups cooked macaroni (in salted water)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar, cut into tiny cubes
- 1 small onion (or half a medium), finely diced
- 3 heaping scoops mayonnaise (±1 cup)
- ±3 teaspoons sweet relish (heaping), less is you like it less sweet
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook your macaroni (as per package instructions), drain, and let it cool a bit.
- Toss the pasta, broccoli, cheddar, and onion in a big bowl.
- In a smaller bowl, mix mayo, relish, parsley, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Taste and adjust.
- Pour dressing over the pasta mix and stir until everything is coated.
- Chill at least an hour so the flavors settle and the onion softens.
- Serve cold, it’s the only side you’ll need with a summer meal.
Notes
Created, prepared, tried, and tested by Corlea from SA Tasty Recipes, Saffas Daily Recipes
Creamy pasta and broccoli salad with cheddar is the ultimate cookout side. A simple recipe with bold flavor. Try it at your next gathering.

Creamy pasta and broccoli salad with cheddar and tangy relish dressing delivers fresh crunch, sharp cheese, and creamy flavor in every bite. It’s quick to prepare, easy to make ahead, and always a hit at summer cookouts, family dinners, or potlucks.
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