Bright & Fresh Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe

Summers call for refreshing and light meals that satisfy hunger without weighing you down.

This delightful chicken broccoli pasta salad bursts with vibrant flavors and crisp textures that dance on your palate.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly in this colorful dish, creating a perfect balance of protein and vegetables.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with crunchy broccoli florets and al dente pasta, making every bite a delicious adventure.

The creamy dressing adds a luxurious touch that elevates this simple recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

Cool and satisfying, this pasta salad promises to become your new go-to meal for picnics, potlucks, or quick weeknight dinners.

Store and Serve Chicken Pasta Salad Smartly

• Store leftover chicken broccoli pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Enjoy the salad straight from the fridge. No reheating needed, as the dish tastes delicious when cold and the ingredients retain their crisp texture.
• Gently mix the salad before eating to redistribute the dressing and refresh the flavors. This helps prevent separation and ensures every bite is equally tasty.
• Do not freeze this salad, as mayonnaise-based dressings can separate and vegetables will become soggy, compromising the overall quality and taste.

Pairing Ideas for Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc's zesty acidity and light body perfectly complement the creamy pasta salad, cutting through the richness while enhancing the fresh vegetable flavors.
• Serve with Crusty Artisan Bread: Rustic sourdough or ciabatta slices provide a delightful crunchy contrast to the soft pasta and creamy dressing, helping to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Recommend Chilled Lemonade: Homemade or fresh-squeezed lemonade brings a bright, tangy burst that refreshes the palate and balances the creamy dressing of the chicken broccoli pasta salad.
• Enhance with Fresh Side Salad: A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette adds extra freshness and provides a crisp, lighter counterpoint to the hearty pasta dish.

Chicken Pasta Salad Variations You’ll Enjoy

• Mediterranean Herb Swap: Replace mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt and add fresh basil, oregano, and lemon zest for a lighter, Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Vegan Protein Makeover: Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, use vegan mayonnaise, and add nutritional yeast for extra flavor and protein.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free pasta like rice or chickpea pasta, and ensure all dressing ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, and use a lighter dressing with more herbs and less sugar.

FAQs

• Is this pasta salad healthy?

This chicken broccoli pasta salad offers a balanced mix of protein from chicken, nutrients from broccoli, and vegetables. It includes lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and moderate dressing, making it a nutritious meal option.

• Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is perfect for preparing in advance. You can make it a day before serving, which actually helps the flavors blend and intensify. Store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

• How can I ensure my chicken stays tender in the salad?

Cook chicken breasts until just done, avoiding overcooking. Let the chicken cool completely before cutting into cubes. Using grilled or rotisserie chicken can also help maintain moisture and tenderness.

• What can I do if the salad seems too dry?

If the salad looks dry after mixing, add a little extra mayonnaise or a splash of white wine vinegar. Mix gradually to reach your desired consistency without making the salad too wet.

Why Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad Hits the Mark

• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with colorful vegetables and protein, this dish appeals to various taste preferences, making it ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual lunch get-togethers.
• Nutrient-Rich Comfort: Combines lean protein from chicken, fiber-packed broccoli, and a creamy dressing, offering a balanced and delicious meal that doesn't compromise on nutrition or flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Easily prepared in advance and refrigerated, this salad allows flavors to develop and provides a convenient, stress-free option for meal planning and entertaining.

What Goes Into Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad

• Pasta: A classic base for this refreshing salad.
• Chicken: Tender protein that adds substance to the dish.
• Broccoli: Crisp green vegetable with a nutritious crunch.

• Red Bell Pepper, Red Onion: Colorful and zesty veggie mix that brings bright flavors.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Black Olives: Mediterranean-inspired ingredients with rich, tangy notes.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy base for a smooth and rich dressing.
• White Wine Vinegar, Sugar: Balanced tangy and sweet flavor enhancers.
• Garlic: Aromatic seasoning that adds depth.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor boosters for the entire salad.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook Pasta and Protein

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.

While pasta cooks, grill or pan-sear chicken until fully cooked and golden brown.

Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces once cooled.

Step 2: Prepare Crisp Vegetables

• Broccoli florets
• Red bell pepper
• Red onion
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Black olives

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• White wine vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Add chopped chicken and prepared vegetables to pasta.

Pour dressing over the mixture.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring each ingredient is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

Step 5: Chill and Marinate

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour.

This resting time allows flavors to meld and intensify, creating a delicious and refreshing pasta salad.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from refrigerator, give a quick stir, and serve chilled.

Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or a light meal.

Best Tips for Pasta Salad with Chicken and Broccoli

• Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the dressing to fully infuse the ingredients with delicious taste.
• Swap chicken with grilled tofu, canned tuna, or shredded rotisserie chicken for versatile protein alternatives.
• Add extra crunch by incorporating diced cucumber, chopped spinach, or julienned carrots to increase nutritional value.
• Adjust mayonnaise and sour cream ratios to create a lighter or creamier dressing based on personal preference.
• Chop vegetables and cook chicken in advance, storing separately to quickly assemble the salad when ready to serve.

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken broccoli pasta salad brings classic comfort to your summer table with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Crisp broccoli, tender chicken, and zesty dressing blend perfectly for a refreshing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Carbohydrates:

• 1 cup cooked, chopped chicken breast
• 2 cups cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)

Vegetables and Extras:

• 1 cup broccoli florets, blanched
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) white wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process and cool quickly.
2. While pasta cools, dice cooked chicken into uniform bite-sized cubes for consistent texture and easy eating.
3. Steam broccoli florets until tender-crisp, maintaining vibrant green color and preventing mushiness. Immediately plunge into ice water to halt cooking and preserve crispness.
4. Finely chop red bell pepper, red onion, and sun-dried tomatoes into delicate, uniform pieces to distribute flavor evenly throughout the salad.
5. Slice black olives into thin rounds to provide balanced olive flavor in each bite.
6. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine cooled pasta, diced chicken, steamed broccoli, chopped vegetables, and sliced olives.
7. Create creamy dressing by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, sugar, and minced garlic until smooth and well-integrated.
8. Season dressing with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
9. Drizzle dressing over salad ingredients, using folding technique to coat evenly without crushing delicate components.
10. Cover and refrigerate for minimum one hour, allowing flavors to harmonize and develop depth.
11. Before serving, give salad gentle stir to redistribute dressing and ingredients.

Notes

• Choose rotisserie chicken for a quick, time-saving option that adds delicious pre-seasoned flavor to the pasta salad.
• Steam broccoli briefly to maintain a crisp texture and vibrant green color, avoiding overcooking which can make it mushy.
• Swap regular mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier, protein-rich alternative that reduces calories and adds tangy depth.
• Make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking that all dressing ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg