A chicken broccoli pasta salad is a perfect fusion of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and pasta, all tossed together in a flavorful dressing. This dish is nutritious, packed with protein and fiber, and makes for a satisfying meal any time of the day. Whether you’re preparing it for a light lunch, a side dish, or a make-ahead dinner, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie work best)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, blanched
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
If you haven’t cooked your chicken yet, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Grill, bake, or pan-fry until fully cooked. Let them rest for a few minutes before dicing or shredding.
Step 3: Blanch the Broccoli
To keep the broccoli bright green and slightly crisp, bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the florets for about 1 minute. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain well and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, blanched broccoli, cherry tomatoes, red onion, black olives, and Parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Chill & Serve
For best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips for the Best Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad
- Choose the right pasta: Short pasta shapes like rotini, bowtie, or penne work best because they hold onto the dressing well.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience: If you’re short on time, store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great option for this recipe.
- Blanch the broccoli correctly: Overcooking will make it mushy. A quick blanch followed by an ice bath keeps it crisp and vibrant.
- Make it ahead: This salad tastes even better after sitting for a few hours, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Add crunch: For extra texture, toss in some toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or croutons before serving.
Variations & Customizations
- Make it healthier: Swap mayonnaise for extra Greek yogurt to lighten the dressing.
- Add more veggies: Bell peppers, cucumbers, or shredded carrots can add more freshness.
- Turn it into a warm dish: Skip chilling and serve it warm for a comforting meal.
- Change the protein: Substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Try a different dressing: A honey mustard or balsamic vinaigrette can add a different flavor twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- A light soup like minestrone or chicken broth-based soup
- Fresh fruit salad for a complete meal
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving, as the dressing may settle. If it feels dry, add a little more olive oil or lemon juice to freshen it up.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the salad.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I freeze this pasta salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze, as mayonnaise-based dressings don’t thaw well.
Enjoy this delightful and easy-to-make Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad, packed with flavors and textures that make every bite satisfying!