Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad a Belly Full of Flavor

Recipe Introduction: The Ultimate Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad

Fancy a picnic? Ever wonder what Summer pasta salad recipes are truly worth making?

This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad recipe is about to become your new best mate. It's easy. It's delicious. And honestly? It's the perfect way to use up leftover chicken.

A Classic Dish, Elevated

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad isn't exactly new. However, our version takes things up a notch. This salad balances creamy texture with a tangy kick.

The toasted almonds also add a satisfying crunch. Originating as a simple way to combine leftovers, this dish has evolved into a picnic and potluck favourite.

This Broccoli Pasta Salad is easy, taking about an hour including 30 minutes for chilling and it serves six people.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad packs a nutritional punch. Broccoli is loaded with vitamins, and chicken is a great source of protein.

It's the perfect dish to bring to your next BBQ. What makes this Broccoli Pasta Salads special is the dressing.

Creamy chicken broccoli pasta salad balances tang and sweetness, turning a simple salad into something truly crave worthy.

Ready to dive in?

Let's talk ingredients.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!

Alright, buckle up buttercups! Before we dive headfirst into this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad , we need to gather our troops.

Don’t worry, it's all stuff you can find at your local supermarket. Honestly, that's the best part about Summer pasta salad recipes.

Main Ingredients

Okay, here's the lowdown on what you'll need. I've included both US and metric 'cause I'm all about being inclusive.

• Pasta: 1 pound (450g) rotini. Honestly, use any short pasta. Penne? Fusilli? Bow ties? Go wild!
• Broccoli: 1 large head, cut into florets. About 4 cups . The broccoli should be green and firm.
• Chicken: 2 cups cooked, diced. About 1 pound (450g) . Use leftover roast chicken. Rotisserie? Chef's kiss!
• Red Onion: ½ cup , finely diced. Red onion gives it a nice bite.
• Almonds: ½ cup slivered, toasted. Toasting brings out the flavour. Don’t skip it!
• Bacon: ½ cup crumbled, cooked (optional). Everything's better with bacon.
• Cranberries: ¼ cup dried. Sweet and tart - yum!
• Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup shredded. I like mild cheddar. But sharp works too.
• Mayonnaise: 1 cup . Full fat or light. Your call.
• Sour Cream: ½ cup . Greek yogurt works, if you are after a zing.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons . Hello, tangy!
• Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon . Gives it a kick.
• Honey: 1 tablespoon . Or maple syrup.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon .
• Onion Powder: ½ teaspoon .
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon .
• Salt: To taste. You know, the usual.

Seasoning Notes

Right, so the dressing is where the magic happens in this Easy pasta salad recipe.

Don’t be afraid to tweak it. More honey if you like it sweeter. Extra vinegar for tang? Go for it! Garlic powder is the secret.

Onion powder gives a lovely depth. No Dijon? Use yellow mustard, but less of it.

I always taste as I go. Honestly, it's the only way to get it perfect. You can find the perfect Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad with the right seasonings.

Equipment Needed

We're not going to be needing a ton of kit for this Broccoli Pasta Salad . It's a super easy make-ahead pasta salad. Think simple.

• Large Pot: For the pasta.
• Colander: For draining. Obvs.
• Large Mixing Bowl: To throw everything together.
• Small Bowl: For the dressing.
• Whisk: To get that dressing smooth.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For, you know, measuring.

Don't stress if you don't have everything. A wooden spoon works instead of a whisk. Honestly, just wing it! I once made this using a washing-up bowl.

(Don't tell anyone!). This Chicken Broccoli Pasta will be your summer hit!

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad - Your New Picnic Bestie

Oh my gosh, you have to try this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad ! Honestly, it's a game changer. It’s perfect for summer potlucks, or just a light lunch.

I've tweaked and perfected this Broccoli Pasta Salad recipe over the years, and it's always a hit. This Easy pasta salad recipe will become a part of your arsenal to become the best cook of your friendship group.

It all started when I needed a Summer pasta salad recipes that was quick, easy, and didn't involve a ton of washing up.

It’s just so versatile. You can take it to any summer event. So, I thought, why not combine two of my favorite things: chicken and pasta? And so, this Chicken Broccoli Pasta magic was born.

Prep Like a Pro for Perfect Pasta

First, mise en place, darling! Chop your broccoli into cute little florets. Dice the cooked chicken. (Rotisserie chicken is my go-to shortcut, shhh!).

Don't forget to finely dice the red onion too! It is important to have everything in place before the next stage.

It will make the process so much easier, trust me. Also, toasting the almonds enhances the taste so do it for this Creamy chicken broccoli pasta salad .

step-by-step to Broccoli Pasta Salad Perfection

1. Cook pasta to al dente, about 8- 10 minutes . Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. Blanch broccoli in boiling water for 3- 4 minutes . Immediately plunge into ice water. Drain well!
3. Whisk together mayo, sour cream, vinegar, mustard, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper and salt.
4. Combine pasta, broccoli, chicken, red onion, almonds, bacon (if using), cranberries, and cheese in a bowl.
5. Pour dressing over the Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad and toss.
6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Pasta Salad That Wows

Want to really up your Broccoli Pasta Salads game? Toast the almonds! It takes, like, 5 minutes in a dry pan and adds so much flavor.

Also, don't overcook the pasta. Nobody likes mushy pasta salad! And if you are making a make-ahead pasta salad , don't put the dressing until the last moment to make the salad nice and fresh.

A common mistake is adding all the dressing at once. Add it gradually, tasting as you go, so you don't end up with a soggy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad .

You can prepare all the ingredients a day in advance, but wait to combine everything until just before serving to keep the salad fresh.

If you have Cold chicken salad recipes , these will work in the recipe.

Recipe Notes for Stellar Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad

This section's all about making your Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad experience epic! Think of these as handy little cheats to take your Broccoli Pasta Salad to the next level.

Honestly, this Easy Pasta Salad Recipe is practically foolproof, but a little extra info never hurt anyone, right?

Serving Suggestions: Plating & Perfect Partners

Presentation is key, even if it's just for your Insta story! Pile your Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad high in a pretty bowl.

Sprinkle extra toasted almonds on top. For a Picnic Pasta Salad Ideas , pack it in individual mason jars super cute and easy.

On the side? A crusty baguette is always a winner. Or, you know, just dive right in with a fork.

A cold glass of lemonade or iced tea is the perfect thirst quencher for any Summer Pasta Salad Recipes . I like to enjoy it with some sparkling water!

Storage Secrets

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Chicken Broccoli Pasta keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it's in an airtight container.

Freezing isn't really recommended, as the mayo in the dressing can get a bit weird when thawed. When reheating, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

It helps to bring back the creaminess. Nobody likes a rock hard salad!

Variations: Your Salad, Your Rules

Feeling adventurous? Swap the chicken for chickpeas to make it vegetarian. It's great! Or, use whole wheat pasta for an extra fiber boost.

If you're feeling fancy, try using different cheeses. Feta or goat cheese would be a flavourful twist. For a Cold Chicken Salad Recipes variation, try adding a bit of curry powder!

Nutrition Nutshell

Okay, let's talk numbers. This Broccoli Pasta Salads is packed with protein from the chicken, fiber from the broccoli, and healthy fats from the almonds.

The dressing does add some calories, so feel free to use a light mayo or Greek yogurt to cut back.

I think that the health benefits of Broccoli here are essential. Remember, this is comfort food, not health food (though it can be!).

This make-ahead Pasta Salad is a sure winner, so get in the kitchen and start cooking! You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad A Belly Full of Flavor! ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it's often better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Just be sure to store it properly in an airtight container in the fridge. I wouldn't recommend making it more than 2 days in advance, though, as the broccoli can lose some of its crispness.

How do I prevent my Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad from getting soggy?

No one wants a soggy salad! The key is to not overdress it initially. Add the dressing gradually, tossing gently, until everything is lightly coated. You might not need all of the dressing! Also, make sure your pasta is cooked al dente slightly firm to the bite.

Overcooked pasta will absorb more of the dressing and become mushy. Rinsing the pasta under cold water after cooking also helps remove excess starch.

What are some good substitutions for ingredients in this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad?

Fancy a bit of a twist, eh? No worries! If you're not keen on broccoli, try swapping it out for green beans. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add chickpeas or white beans. If you don't have mayonnaise, plain yogurt is a reasonable replacement.

How long does Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad last in the fridge?

This pasta salad is best enjoyed within 2-3 days if stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. After that, the texture and flavor will start to deteriorate, and it’s best to err on the side of caution for food safety. Nobody wants a dodgy tummy after a lovely picnic!

Can I freeze Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad?

While you can freeze it, I wouldn't recommend it. The mayonnaise based dressing tends to separate and become watery when thawed, and the broccoli and pasta can become mushy. It's always best to enjoy it fresh for the best texture and flavor. Think of it as a good excuse to invite some mates over for a cracking lunch!

What kind of chicken is best for Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad?

The best chicken is really a matter of personal preference. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds great flavor. Diced, cooked chicken breast is also a great choice. You could even use leftover grilled chicken. Just be sure to dice it into bite sized pieces for easy eating!