Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe

Looking for the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish for your next potluck, picnic, or easy weeknight dinner? Let me introduce you to Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad. This creamy, craveable salad combines tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, al dente pasta, and a rainbow of veggies, all tossed in a tangy-smooth dressing. Every bite feels like comfort and celebration! Whether you’re prepping it ahead for lunches or pulling together a last-minute meal, this pasta salad is about to become your new favorite.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad so irresistible is its simple ingredient list—each component tastes fantastic on its own but truly shines when combined. The colors, textures, and flavors come together for an irresistible bowl of goodness you’ll want to share (or maybe keep for yourself!).

• Pasta: Rotini or penne pasta gives the salad its hearty foundation and is perfect for holding onto the creamy dressing.
• Chicken Breast: Cooked and diced or shredded chicken adds substantive protein—rotisserie chicken works wonders for convenience!
• Broccoli Florets: Blanched broccoli brings a pop of green color and fresh crunch to every serving.
• Red Bell Pepper: This veggie adds sweetness, color, and just the right amount of crisp bite.
• Red Onion: Finer diced red onion dials up the flavor with a mild, zesty kick.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar brings creamy sharpness and gooey pockets of goodness throughout.
• Mayonnaise: This classic base makes the dressing rich and silky-smooth.
• Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Adds a hint of tang while keeping the dressing lighter and extra creamy.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Lifts the flavors with a splash of brightness and subtle sweetness.
• Dijon Mustard: A spoonful infuses gentle heat and depth to the creamy mix.
• Garlic Powder: Adds savory aromatic notes that round out the flavor.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing every ingredient and making all the flavors pop.
• Black Pepper: A pinch brings gentle spice and balance to the dish.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add your rotini or penne and cook until just al dente—follow the package instructions for timing. In the last 2 minutes of pasta cooking, toss in the broccoli florets to blanch them to crisp-tender perfection. Once done, drain everything and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and keep those vibrant colors bright.

Step 2: Prep the Salad Ingredients

While pasta and broccoli are cooling, grab a large bowl and gather your chopped and shredded ingredients. Add the cooled pasta and broccoli, diced or shredded chicken breast, bell pepper, red onion, and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. This colorful mix already looks so inviting!

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing is the secret to making Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad extra luscious and flavorful!

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Pour that dreamy dressing over your big bowl of salad ingredients. Use tongs or a large spoon to toss everything together until each piece is coated. Every nook and cranny of pasta and veggie should glisten with that tangy, savory dressing.

Step 5: Chill and Let the Flavors Mingle

Cover your salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This little rest time allows the flavors to blend and deepen. The result: the perfect Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad every single time!

How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Before serving, I love to top the salad with an extra sprinkle of shredded cheddar, a scattering of fresh herbs like parsley or chives, and a crack of fresh black pepper. Not only does this add color and scent, but it takes the salad’s presentation up a notch.

Side Dishes

If you want to round out your meal, serve Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad alongside crusty country bread, grilled corn on the cob, or even a simple soup. It’s totally satisfying on its own, but it plays well with just about any summer or picnic spread!

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling fun? Try serving portions in mason jars for easy picnics, or scoop the salad into halved bell peppers for a colorful twist at parties. For individual servings, line plates with lettuce leaves before spooning on the salad for a fresh, crisp foundation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors only get cozier as they mingle, so don’t be surprised if tomorrow’s helping tastes even better.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze this salad, I don’t recommend it. The creamy dressing can separate and the fresh veggies lose their snappy texture after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge!

Reheating

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If it chills a little too much, simply let it sit out for 20 minutes before serving, and give it a gentle toss to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! Rotini and penne are classic favorites because their shape holds the dressing well, but feel free to use bowtie, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta if you like.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this salad?

You can use any cooked chicken: poached, grilled, baked, or even store-bought rotisserie chicken for maximum convenience. If you’re cooking it fresh, season the chicken with salt and pepper for extra flavor before dicing or shredding.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Definitely! Substitute the cheddar cheese for a dairy-free cheese and swap in your favorite plant-based yogurt or sour cream alternative for the dressing. The result is just as creamy and satisfying.

Can I make Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad in advance?

Yes, in fact, the flavors improve with time. Make it up to a day in advance and store it chilled. It’s the perfect make-ahead side or lunch!

What proteins can I use besides chicken?

Try diced turkey, grilled shrimp, or even canned chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. The salad is endlessly adaptable, so make it your own!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a dish that brings friends and family together, Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad is truly it. Every forkful bursts with creamy, vibrant, comforting flavors—I can’t recommend it enough! Give it a try and watch it become a staple at all your gatherings.

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