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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Drain the pasta and broccoli thoroughly, then rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process and preserve vibrant color and refreshing temperature.
- 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.
- Shred or dice cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform texture throughout the salad.
- 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.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the ingredients, using a gentle folding technique to coat every component evenly without crushing delicate elements.
- Refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and develop depth, transforming the dish from simple to spectacular.
- 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