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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Cooling Process: Drain pasta and broccoli, then rinse with cold water to stop cooking and maintain vibrant color and cool temperature.
- 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.
- 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.
- Flavor Infusion: Pour prepared dressing over the mixture, gently folding to ensure even coating without compromising the delicate ingredients’ integrity.
- Chilling and Marinating: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and develop a more profound taste profile.
- 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