Zesty Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe: A Fresh Twist!

Summers call for fresh, light meals that burst with flavor and the chicken broccoli pasta salad delivers pure deliciousness.

This colorful dish combines crisp vegetables with tender chicken in a creamy, zesty dressing.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Fresh broccoli adds a satisfying crunch while juicy chicken provides hearty protein.

Chilled and served straight from the refrigerator, this pasta salad offers a refreshing meal that will keep you coming back for seconds.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this crowd-pleasing summer favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 430 kcal

Servings: 6

Essentials to Prep for Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad

• Pasta: Choose a short, sturdy pasta shape that catches dressing well and holds its texture when chilled.
• Broccoli Florets: Select fresh, vibrant green broccoli with tight, compact clusters for crisp texture and maximum nutrition.

• Chicken: Use rotisserie or grilled chicken for convenience and rich, smoky flavor; pre-cooked chicken saves preparation time.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onion: Opt for ripe, firm cherry tomatoes and sweet red onions to add bright, zesty crunch and color contrast.

• Mayonnaise, Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that provides smooth texture and tangy undertone; choose full-fat versions for richer taste.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds bright, sharp acidity to balance the creamy dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces complex, slightly spicy flavor and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Honey: Provides subtle sweetness and helps balance the vinegar's tanginess.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that build depth of flavor and enhance overall taste profile.

• Cheese, Nuts: Personalize the salad with sharp cheese crumbles or toasted nuts for extra texture and richness.

Cooking Equipment for Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and tossing all salad ingredients together.
• Small bowl: Perfect for whisking together the creamy dressing ingredients.
• Whisk: Key tool for blending dressing components smoothly.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta and broccoli quickly after boiling.
• Cutting board: Necessary for chopping chicken, tomatoes, and red onion.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring spoons and cups: Ensures accurate dressing ingredient proportions.
• Pot: Needed for boiling pasta and broccoli.

Let’s Cook for Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad

• Boil Pasta and Broccoli

Drop pasta into a pot of boiling water. Toss broccoli in during the final two minutes of cooking. Once perfectly tender, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

• Whip Up Creamy Dressing

Blend mayonnaise, yogurt, vinegar, mustard, honey, and spices in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasonings for a zesty kick that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Mix and Merge Ingredients

Grab a big bowl and toss together the cooled pasta, broccoli, shredded chicken, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy onions. Mix everything gently but thoroughly.

• Dress and Coat

Pour the creamy dressing over the salad. Stir carefully to ensure every morsel gets a delicious coating of flavor.

• Chill and Serve

Pop the salad into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets all the flavors mingle and get to know each other. Serve cool and enjoy the refreshing blend of textures and tastes.

Ideas to Try for Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad

• Flavor Boosting Hacks: Marinate chicken in zesty lemon juice and herbs before cooking for an extra punch of flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this salad a day in advance, as the flavors intensify when ingredients sit together overnight in the refrigerator.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with canned tuna, grilled shrimp, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for diverse protein options.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free pasta like chickpea or rice pasta to make this recipe completely gluten-free without compromising taste.
• Veggie Lover's Dream: Add extra crunch with diced cucumbers, sliced bell peppers, or roasted sunflower seeds to increase nutritional value and texture variety.

How to Serve It for Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad

• Picnic Perfect Platter: Spread the pasta salad on a large wooden board with fresh herbs sprinkled on top, creating an inviting summer centerpiece.
• Protein Power Bowl: Layer the salad over fresh baby spinach leaves for an extra nutritional boost and beautiful green base that complements the pasta's colors.
• Wrap It Up: Use large lettuce leaves as fresh, crisp wraps to transform the pasta salad into a handheld meal perfect for lunch or quick outdoor dining.
• Mediterranean Twist: Garnish with crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of dried oregano to give the dish a delightful Mediterranean flair that elevates the classic recipe.

Storing Suggestions for Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining its fresh crunch and vibrant flavors.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Stir the salad gently before serving to redistribute the dressing and revive the ingredients' original zesty taste.
• Ingredient Separation Strategy: Store dressing separately from the salad components to prevent soggy pasta and maintain optimal texture when preparing ahead of time.
• Quick Refresh Method: If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, add a small splash of extra dressing or a drizzle of olive oil to restore moisture and bring back the original delicious consistency.

Vibrant Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Delightful chicken broccoli pasta salad combines creamy textures with fresh ingredients from Mediterranean kitchens. Zesty herbs and tangy dressing elevate this simple dish for diners seeking a refreshing meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups chicken, diced or shredded
• 8 oz (226 g) pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds or chopped nuts (optional)
• 2 tbsps apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey (or sugar)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, adding broccoli florets during the last two minutes to achieve a crisp-tender consistency.
2. Cooling Process: Drain pasta and broccoli, then rinse with cold water to stop cooking and maintain vibrant color and cool temperature.
3. Dressing Creation: Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic and onion powders, salt, and pepper to craft a complex, creamy dressing.
4. Protein and Vegetable Assembly: Combine shredded chicken, cooked pasta, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and red onion in a large mixing bowl, creating a colorful and textured base.
5. Flavor Infusion: Pour prepared dressing over the mixture, gently folding to ensure even coating without compromising the delicate ingredients’ integrity.
6. Chilling and Marinating: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and develop a more profound taste profile.
7. Final Touch: Gently toss the salad before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, presenting a refreshing and satisfying culinary creation ready to be enjoyed.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring a firm bite that holds up against creamy dressing.
• Broccoli Blanching Technique: Quick two-minute blanching preserves vibrant green color and maintains crisp-tender texture without overcooking.
• Protein Flexibility: Swap chicken with grilled tofu, shredded turkey, or chickpeas for vegetarian and alternative protein options that match the salad’s creamy profile.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Allow salad to rest in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, letting ingredients marinate and dressing ingredients meld together for deeper, more complex taste experience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 19g
• Cholesterol: 60mg