The vibrant combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and spiral rotini tossed in a creamy dressing makes this pasta salad the ultimate comfort food with a refreshing twist. Perfect for warm days or when you’re in need of a satisfying meal that can be made ahead, this dish balances flavor, texture, and nutrition all in one.
Whether you’re planning a summer BBQ, a family gathering, or a simple weekday lunch, this salad fits the bill. It’s easily customizable, swap out the cheese, add bacon, or toss in some cherry tomatoes. Plus, it holds up well in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prepping or taking on-the-go. Give it a try and enjoy creamy, tangy goodness in every bite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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8 ounces rotini pasta
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2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
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2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
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1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
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1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup sour cream
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2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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1 tablespoon granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Cook rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
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In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
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Add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, broccoli, red onion, and cheddar cheese to the bowl.
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Toss everything together until well coated with the dressing.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad: A Creamy, Comforting Classic for Every Season
Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad is one of those timeless, comforting recipes that brings together the best of several worlds: protein-rich chicken, fresh and crisp vegetables, al dente pasta, and a creamy, flavorful dressing that ties everything together. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch, a refreshing side dish, or something easy to take to your next potluck or picnic, this dish delivers with ease and style.
Perfect for any time of the year but especially welcome in the warmer months, this salad provides a cool and creamy contrast to grilled meats and smoky summer flavors. It’s also versatile enough to be made with pantry staples and customizable with the ingredients you have on hand. If you’ve never tried a creamy pasta salad loaded with broccoli and chicken, you’re about to meet your new favorite.
A Balanced Bowl of Flavor and Nutrition
One of the standout features of this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad is the well-rounded nutrition it offers. Chicken breast provides a lean source of protein, perfect for keeping you full and energized. Broccoli adds a vibrant green color along with a hefty dose of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Pasta delivers that comforting carbohydrate base that turns this into a complete and satisfying meal.
Even the creamy dressing, a blend of mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and a splash of vinegar, can be adjusted to suit your dietary preferences. You can opt for light mayo or even Greek yogurt to cut back on calories while still enjoying that velvety texture. The combination of tangy and sweet in the dressing makes every bite crave-worthy without being overwhelming.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this salad so appealing is the balance of flavors and textures. You get creamy, crunchy, savory, tangy, and just the right hint of sweetness. The broccoli is chopped small so that it’s easy to eat raw but still adds that refreshing crunch. Red onions bring a zesty bite, while sharp cheddar cheese cubes melt slightly when mixed in, adding pockets of richness throughout the bowl.
Another major plus? It’s the kind of dish that gets even better as it sits. A couple of hours in the fridge lets the flavors meld beautifully. It’s a perfect example of a recipe you can prepare in advance, ideal for busy schedules or entertaining. Serve it cold for the ultimate refreshing bite or let it sit at room temperature for a slightly softer, even creamier texture.
Easy to Customize for Every Occasion
This recipe is also incredibly forgiving and customizable. Don’t have rotini on hand? Swap it with penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni. Want to make it vegetarian? Skip the chicken and load it with more veggies like cherry tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, or cucumber. If you’re a fan of bold flavors, a handful of crumbled bacon or chopped pickles can add that extra punch.
If you’re prepping this dish for a summer BBQ, it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or seafood. Looking for a light dinner idea? Serve it with a crusty baguette or a cup of soup. It also makes for a fantastic meal prep option, portion it into individual containers, and you have lunch sorted for the next few days.
Tips for the Best Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad
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Use fresh broccoli: While you can technically use frozen broccoli, it won’t have the same crispness. Fresh broccoli cut into small florets makes a big difference in texture.
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Let it chill: Don’t skip the refrigeration step. A minimum of one hour in the fridge lets the dressing soak into the pasta and enhances the flavor throughout the salad.
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Cook pasta al dente: Slightly firm pasta holds up better in creamy dressings and doesn’t get mushy after refrigeration.
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Taste and adjust: Depending on your personal taste and the brand of mayo or mustard you use, you might want to tweak the salt, sugar, or vinegar. Taste the dressing before tossing.
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Make it your own: From seasoning blends to crunchy toppings like sunflower seeds or croutons, this dish is a canvas for your culinary creativity.
Make-Ahead Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
There’s something so satisfying about preparing a dish that not only comes together quickly but can also be made ahead without sacrificing flavor or texture. That’s exactly what this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad offers. Prepare it the night before a gathering, pack it for a family picnic, or whip it up in the morning before a busy day at work.
It’s a great go-to for large gatherings because it scales up easily. Just double or triple the recipe, toss it in a large mixing bowl, and it’s ready to feed a crowd. It’s also allergy-friendly with the option to use gluten-free pasta and dairy-free alternatives in the dressing.
Another added bonus? It looks fantastic on the plate. The contrast of green broccoli, purple onion, golden cheddar, and creamy dressing against the pale pasta is not only delicious, but also visually appealing. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a few cherry tomato halves for a pop of color and you’ve got a dish that will impress every time.
Storage and Leftovers
This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. In fact, many people find the flavor improves over time. Just give it a good stir before serving, and you’re good to go. If it seems a bit dry after sitting in the fridge, simply add a tablespoon of mayonnaise or a splash of milk to freshen it up.
Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the mayo-based dressing can separate and the pasta can become mushy upon thawing. But that’s rarely a problem, this pasta salad is so good, you probably won’t have leftovers for long!
A Great Recipe for Every Skill Level
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone just starting to explore the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof. With minimal prep and straightforward steps, you can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a fantastic entry point into the world of homemade pasta salads, and it will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation.
It’s also a great recipe to get kids involved. Let them help stir, measure ingredients, or even chop (with supervision, of course). Introducing children to hands-on cooking with simple, tasty dishes like this can foster lifelong kitchen confidence and healthy eating habits.
Conclusion
Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad is more than just a side dish, it’s a delicious, versatile, and nutritious recipe that belongs in every cook’s repertoire. It checks all the boxes: simple ingredients, fast prep, bold flavors, and adaptability for a range of dietary needs and occasions. Whether you serve it chilled on a hot summer day or alongside grilled mains at a party, it will be met with enthusiasm every time.
Its creamy dressing, tender chicken, and crisp veggies make every bite refreshing yet satisfying. Make it your own, enjoy the process, and share it with loved ones. After all, great food is about more than just nourishment, it’s about connection, creativity, and joy. This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad brings all three to the table in the most delicious way.