Best Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe

This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad is a colorful and filling meal for any time of year. It features juicy chicken, crunchy broccoli, and pasta cooked to a just-right firmness, all tossed together with a rich and tangy dressing. Made in only 20 minutes, it is a valuable answer to hectic days.

I enjoy this salad because it is fresh and versatile. Whether one is making it for lunch, including it in a picnic, or including it in dinner, it never disappoints. Let us begin making it!

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Why I Love This Recipe

This pasta salad checks all the boxes for me. It’s quick to make, using rotisserie chicken or leftovers to save time. The creamy dressing is light yet flavorful, tying everything together.

It’s packed with protein and veggies, making it healthy and filling. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—kids and adults both love it. You can make it ahead, and it just gets better as the flavors meld.

Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad

Here’s what you’ll need:

Pasta: 8 oz (rotini, farfalle, or penne), for a sturdy base.
Cooked chicken: 2 cups, shredded or diced (rotisserie or grilled).
Broccoli: 2 cups, chopped into small florets, for crunch.
Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved, for juicy sweetness.
Red onion: ¼ cup, finely chopped, for a sharp bite.
Mayonnaise: ½ cup, for creamy richness.
Greek yogurt: ¼ cup, plain, for tang and lightness.
Apple cider vinegar: 2 tbsp, for a zesty kick.
Honey: 1 tbsp, for a touch of sweetness.
Salt and pepper: To taste, for balance.
Parmesan cheese: ¼ cup, grated, optional, for savory depth.
Parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped, optional, for freshness.

These ingredients are pantry staples or easy to grab fresh.

How to Make the Perfect Pasta Salad

This salad is a breeze to whip up:

Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes. Add broccoli florets to the pot for the last 2 minutes to blanch. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, broccoli, shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Toss gently to mix the colors and textures evenly.
In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning—it should be creamy with a tangy-sweet balance.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat. Sprinkle in Parmesan and parsley if using, and give it a final mix. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for better flavor.

It’s as easy as tossing a green salad, but with hearty, satisfying vibes!

Tips for the Best Pasta Salad

To make your salad shine:

Don’t overcook the pasta; aim for al dente to keep it firm. Rinsing with cold water prevents stickiness.
Blanch broccoli briefly to keep it crisp and bright green. Don’t skip the cold rinse to lock in color.
Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor. Freshly grilled or poached works great too.
Let the salad chill for 30 minutes before serving. This helps the dressing soak into the pasta.
Taste the dressing before adding it. Add more vinegar or honey to tweak the tang or sweetness.

These small steps make a big difference, like seasoning a dish just right.

Customizing Your Pasta Salad

Make it your own:

Add a handful of crumbled bacon or diced ham for smoky flavor. About ¼ cup is plenty.
Swap cherry tomatoes for diced cucumber or roasted red peppers. Keeps it fresh and colorful.
Mix in feta or cheddar instead of Parmesan for a different cheesy vibe. Use ¼ cup for balance.
Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the dressing.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs. Both hold up well in this salad.

Tweak it like you’re building your perfect sandwich!

Storage Instructions

Keep your salad fresh:

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Stir before serving to refresh the dressing.
Avoid freezing, as the creamy dressing and veggies can get watery. Make a fresh batch instead.
If prepping ahead, store dressing separately until ready to serve. Keeps the pasta from getting soggy.
Serve cold for the best texture. Perfect for meal prep or quick lunches on the go.

This salad is a time-saver for busy weeks.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is super versatile:

Serve as a main dish with a side of crusty bread or a green salad. Perfect for light dinners.
Pack it for picnics or lunches in a portable container. It holds up well on the go.
Pair with grilled shrimp or burgers for a summer BBQ. Complements smoky, savory flavors.
Spoon into lettuce cups for a low-carb option. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese for flair.

It’s ready to steal the spotlight at any meal.

Related Salad Ideas:-

FAQs

What are the five mistakes to avoid in pasta salad?

Overcooking the pasta.
Not cooling the pasta before mixing.
Using a heavy dressing.
Not seasoning properly.
Adding ingredients too early (like crunchy veggies).

How to make chicken and broccoli pasta?

Cook pasta and broccoli together.
Sauté chicken with garlic and olive oil.
Combine pasta, broccoli, and chicken.
Toss with your choice of sauce (cream-based or pesto works well).

What can you put in a chicken pasta salad?

Grilled chicken, pasta, veggies (like bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes), olives, cheese (feta or mozzarella), and a light dressing.

How to make chicken broccoli salad?

Cook and chop the chicken and broccoli.
Mix with diced red onion, nuts (like almonds or walnuts), and dried cranberries.
Toss with a creamy dressing (like mayo or Greek yogurt).

Why This Recipe Works

This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad is a winner. It’s ready in 20 minutes, using simple ingredients like leftover chicken and pantry staples. The creamy dressing, with its tangy-sweet balance, coats every bite perfectly.

It’s healthy, with protein from chicken and vitamins from broccoli. The mix of textures—crisp veggies, tender pasta, and juicy chicken—keeps it exciting.

Perfect for lunches, picnics, or dinners, it’s a versatile dish that always satisfies. It’s like a hearty salad with all the comfort of pasta.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad is your key to fresh, easy meals. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and pasta come together in a creamy, tangy dressing in just 20 minutes. Ideal for meal prep, picnics, or quick dinners.

Add bacon or feta for a twist, and serve with bread or lettuce wraps. Grab your ingredients, toss it together, and enjoy. What’s your favorite add-in? Let’s make this salad!