Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad

This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad is a delightful fusion of creamy textures, savory flavors, and vibrant colors. With tender chunks of chicken breast, crisp-tender broccoli florets, and bowtie pasta all tossed in a smooth, tangy dressing, it’s a dish that’s both hearty and refreshing. Whether you’re preparing for a casual family dinner, a potluck, or a sunny afternoon picnic, this recipe delivers a fulfilling bite every time.

The real charm of this pasta salad lies in its versatility. You can swap the protein for grilled turkey or tofu, or use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta based on your dietary needs. It’s also the perfect make-ahead dish, as the flavors deepen the longer it chills. With a balance of crunch, creaminess, and bright zest, this salad is destined to become a repeat favorite in your recipe rotation.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

3 cups cooked bowtie pasta
2 cups cooked and chopped chicken breast
2 cups small broccoli florets (lightly steamed or blanched)
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
Add the cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, red bell pepper, and red onion to the bowl.
Gently toss everything together until fully coated in the creamy dressing.
Fold in the Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 375 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad

When it comes to meals that effortlessly marry flavor, texture, nutrition, and convenience, Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad stands proudly at the top. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like comfort food but packs enough freshness and color to feel light and energizing. Whether you’re planning a weekend barbecue, a potluck with friends, or meal prep for the week ahead, this recipe checks all the boxes: quick, customizable, crowd-pleasing, and ideal for make-ahead meals.

This creamy, protein-packed salad blends juicy chicken breast, tender bowtie pasta, and crisp broccoli florets with a rich yet tangy homemade dressing. Add-ins like red bell pepper, red onion, and grated Parmesan provide beautiful pops of color and flavor, while the mayonnaise-sour cream-Dijon blend creates a smooth coating that brings every bite together. The result? A chilled pasta salad that is anything but boring.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

One of the biggest appeals of this chicken broccoli pasta salad is how versatile it is. It straddles the line between side dish and main course, making it a flexible option for any occasion. Serve it as a main dish during a warm evening or as a complementary side to grilled meats. Because it’s chilled, it travels well, perfect for packed lunches, road trips, and outdoor events.

And let’s not forget how nutritious it can be. You’ve got lean protein from the chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, calcium from the cheese, and energy-sustaining carbs from the pasta. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, which means you can prepare it in bulk and have it ready in the fridge for days to come.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Let’s talk about some of the key ingredients and what makes them work so well in this dish.

Chicken Breast: Lean, tender, and protein-rich. You can use grilled chicken, poached, rotisserie leftovers, or even shredded roasted chicken depending on your preference.
Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): Not only is it visually appealing, but its shape helps trap the dressing and ingredients for maximum flavor in every forkful. Penne, rotini, or macaroni are great alternatives if you don’t have bowtie pasta on hand.
Broccoli: This green vegetable adds a crisp contrast to the pasta and chicken. Lightly steaming or blanching the florets helps them retain that vibrant color while softening their crunch just enough.
Red Bell Pepper and Red Onion: These ingredients contribute both sweetness and a slight tangy bite. Plus, they add beautiful color to the dish, making it as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Creamy Dressing: A mixture of mayonnaise and sour cream is classic and indulgent, but not too heavy. Dijon mustard and lemon juice introduce a nice acidity to cut through the creaminess, while garlic and onion powder elevate the flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: It adds umami and a salty edge that balances the sweet and tangy notes from the other ingredients. Grated sharp cheddar can also be used for a bolder twist.

How to Make It Your Own

One of the greatest strengths of this pasta salad is its adaptability. With just a few changes, you can create endless variations that cater to dietary needs, ingredient availability, or simply your cravings. Here are some suggestions:

Protein Alternatives:

Use grilled shrimp or diced ham for a fun twist.
For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu cubes.

Pasta Substitutes:

Go whole wheat for added fiber.
Try gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly option.
Use orzo, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni depending on texture preferences.

Dressing Ideas:

Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-boosted alternative.
Add a splash of pickle juice or apple cider vinegar for a tangier profile.
Mix in a bit of honey or maple syrup to bring out the sweetness of the vegetables.

Add-Ins:

Toss in halved grape tomatoes, sliced olives, or cucumbers for freshness.
Add crumbled bacon or sunflower seeds for crunch.
Fresh herbs like basil, chives, or dill can elevate the flavor complexity.

Ideal Serving Occasions

This dish fits just about any setting:

Weeknight Dinners: Serve as a standalone chilled main dish or pair it with grilled meats.
Lunchbox Meal Prep: It holds up incredibly well for several days and doesn’t require reheating.
Picnics and Potlucks: Its cold-serving nature and creamy dressing make it a staple at outdoor events.
Summer BBQs: Refreshing and light enough to complement heavier grilled items like burgers and ribs.

You can portion this salad into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches or serve in a large bowl with a garnish of extra herbs and grated cheese for family-style dining.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you’re planning for multiple meals or prepping in advance, this salad is a perfect choice. Here’s how to keep it tasting fresh:

Refrigerate promptly: Store in an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh for 3-4 days.
Mix well before serving: The dressing can settle or slightly separate, so give it a good stir before eating.
Add crunchy toppings last: If you’re using nuts or crispy bacon, add them just before serving to retain their texture.

Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 375
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 19g
Fiber: 3g
Calcium: 10% DV
Iron: 8% DV

These values may vary based on the exact ingredients used, but overall, it’s a balanced dish that delivers both flavor and nourishment.

Conclusion

In a world where quick meals often lack depth and nutrition, this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad strikes the perfect balance. It’s wholesome without being boring, rich without being heavy, and simple without being bland. With a medley of textures, bold yet clean flavors, and vibrant colors, it earns a place in your weekly rotation whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for a solo week of healthy eating.

This dish is a testament to how a few everyday ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just learning your way around the kitchen, this pasta salad is fail-proof and endlessly adaptable. Try it once, and we promise it’ll become a staple in your recipe box.

Pin2

2 Shares