Vibrant Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe for Sunny Days

Crafting a delightful chicken broccoli pasta salad brings unexpected joy to weeknight dinners.

Crisp broccoli florets and tender chicken chunks create a vibrant mix of textures and flavors.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance across your plate with surprising lightness.

Nutritious and satisfying, this dish delivers a perfect balance of protein and fresh vegetables.

Colorful ingredients promise a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Minimal prep time means you can whip up this crowd-pleaser in less than thirty minutes.

Let’s make something delicious that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips That Make Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad Better

• Boost Pasta Perfection: Rinse pasta and broccoli in cold water to stop cooking and preserve bright green color.
• Customize Protein Power: Swap chicken with grilled tofu, shredded turkey, or chickpeas for vegetarian and dietary variety.
• Dress Smart: Prepare dressing ahead of time and store separately to maintain salad's crispness and prevent soggy texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better after 24 hours, allowing flavors to develop and ingredients to marinate thoroughly.
• Texture Triumph: Toast nuts or add crunchy seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for extra texture and nutritional boost.

How to Store and Serve Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad

• Store leftover chicken broccoli pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the container sealed to prevent moisture and maintain freshness.
• If the salad appears dry when reheating, add a small splash of olive oil or extra dressing to restore moisture and revive the flavors.
• Gently warm the pasta salad in the microwave using short 15-20 second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. Avoid overheating to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
• For optimal taste and texture, consume the pasta salad within 2 days of preparation. The vegetables and dressing maintain their crispness and flavor best during this time frame.

Great Pairings for Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad

• Enhance the salad's creamy texture and tangy dressing with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, which cuts through the richness and provides a refreshing counterpoint.
• Add a zesty twist by serving with cucumber-mint or lemon-basil sparkling water, which cleanses the palate and echoes the salad's fresh vegetable notes.
• Complement the pasta's softness with toasted garlic bread, offering a warm, crispy contrast that absorbs the dressing's delightful flavors and adds textural excitement.
• Create a vibrant accompaniment with olives, hummus, and feta cheese, which align with the salad's Mediterranean-inspired dressing and provide additional protein-rich bites.

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad Made Different

• Vegan Veggie Pasta Blend: Replace chicken with roasted tofu or chickpeas, swap mayonnaise with vegan cashew cream, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers and cucumber for protein and crunch.
• Gluten-Free Garden Mix: Use gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpea flour, ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free, and maintain the same vegetable and protein proportions.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh herbs like oregano and parsley, swap apple cider vinegar with lemon juice for a zesty Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, keep the original dressing, and add grilled shrimp or turkey as a lean protein alternative.

Common Questions About Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with any short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli. Just ensure it cooks quickly and holds the dressing well.

• Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with lean protein from chicken, fiber from broccoli, and uses Greek yogurt instead of heavy mayo, making it a nutritious meal option.

• Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, chickpeas, or edamame. The dressing and other ingredients remain the same.

• How long will this salad stay fresh?

The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Why Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad Is Always a Hit

• Packed with lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and a balanced dressing, this dish offers a wholesome and balanced eating experience.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adding different vegetables, or incorporating your favorite cheese to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Prepare this salad in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to intensify and making meal planning a breeze for hectic schedules.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad

• Pasta: Provides the foundation for the salad, best when cooked al dente for perfect texture.
• Broccoli Florets: Adds fresh green color and nutritional boost to the pasta base.

• Chicken: Lean protein that makes the salad substantial and filling, works best with cooked and cooled meat.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion: Bright, crisp vegetables that add color, crunch, and fresh flavor to the salad.

• Mayonnaise, Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that provides rich texture and tangy undertone.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds bright acidity to balance the creamy dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides subtle sharp flavor and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Honey: Brings soft sweetness to counteract the vinegar's tartness.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides depth of flavor without raw ingredient texture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing overall taste profile.

• Cheese, Nuts: Extras that can introduce additional texture and flavor complexity to the salad.

How to Toss Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad

Step 1: Craft The Pasta Base

Place a large pot of water on high heat. Once boiling, drop your pasta into the water. During the final two minutes of cooking, introduce broccoli florets. Drain everything and rinse under cold water to stop cooking process. Let the pasta and broccoli cool completely.

Step 2: Blend Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Greek yogurt
• Apple cider vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Honey
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk ingredients until smooth and well integrated. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

Step 3: Build Your Salad Canvas

• Cooled pasta
• Broccoli florets
• Shredded chicken
• Halved cherry tomatoes
• Diced red onion
• Optional: crumbled cheese
• Optional: chopped nuts

Step 4: Marry The Flavors

Drizzle prepared dressing over the salad. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each ingredient gets beautifully coated.

Step 5: Chill And Serve

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes. This waiting period allows flavors to dance and mingle. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing meal.

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe

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• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Delightful chicken broccoli pasta salad promises a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired medley of crisp vegetables and tender protein. Creamy dressing and zesty herbs elevate this easy weeknight meal, delivering complex flavors you’ll savor with every satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)

Additional Vegetables and Toppings:

• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds or chopped nuts (optional)

Dressing Ingredients:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey (or sugar)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the base by cooking pasta in salted boiling water until perfectly tender, introducing broccoli florets during the final two minutes of cooking to ensure crisp-tender texture.
2. Drain the pasta and broccoli thoroughly, then rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process and preserve vibrant color and refreshing temperature.
3. Craft a velvety dressing by whisking together tangy mayonnaise, creamy Greek yogurt, sharp apple cider vinegar, zesty Dijon mustard, subtle honey, aromatic garlic and onion powders, plus seasoning to elevate the flavor profile.
4. Shred or dice cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform texture throughout the salad.
5. In a spacious mixing vessel, gently combine pasta, broccoli, chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion to create a visually appealing and diverse mixture.
6. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the ingredients, using a gentle folding technique to coat every component evenly without crushing delicate elements.
7. Refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and develop depth, transforming the dish from simple to spectacular.
8. Before serving, give the salad a final light toss and adjust seasoning if needed, presenting a refreshing and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Notes

• Pasta Selection Matters: Choose short pasta shapes like rotini or penne that capture dressing and hold ingredients well, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
• Chicken Prep Tip: Use leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken for added convenience and deeper flavor profile without extra cooking time.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better after 2-3 hours of chilling, allowing ingredients to marinate and develop richer taste complexity.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan alternatives for lighter, healthier versions, and use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg