Seasoned chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy dressing combine in this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad to create a dish that shines at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or need a quick side for dinner, this pasta salad is your go-to recipe. Its delightful mix of textures and flavors makes it a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With only 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious salad in no time!
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of chicken, broccoli, and almonds offers a satisfying crunch and savory taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it at picnics, potlucks, or as a meal prep option for the week.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own.
- Great for Leftovers: This pasta salad tastes just as good the next day, making it perfect for meal planning.
Tools and Preparation
Making Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad is easy when you have the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Extra-large mixing bowl
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Necessary for cooking the pasta evenly without overcrowding.
- Colander: Helps in draining the pasta quickly while rinsing off excess starch.
- Extra-large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining all ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk: Essential for blending the dressing smoothly.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1 pound (4 cups) dried Radiatore pasta
– 1 pound cooked seasoned chicken breast, diced into small cubes (about 2 cups)
– 3 cups small broccoli florets
– 1/2 cup golden raisins
– 1/2 cup diced celery
– 3/4 cup sliced almonds
– 4 scallions, diced
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 3/4 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
– 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon pepper
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil; cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In an extra-large bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the dressing until combined and smooth.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add in the cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, raisins, celery, almonds, and scallions; toss to combine and coat.
Step 4: Serve or Refrigerate
Enjoy right away or refrigerate until ready to serve.
With these simple steps, you’ll have a delightful Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad ready to impress your guests!
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad
Serving Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad is all about presentation and pairing. This delightful dish can be enjoyed in various ways, making it a hit at any gathering or picnic.
As a Standalone Dish
- Ideal for lunch: Serve it chilled for a refreshing midday meal.
- Perfect for potlucks: This pasta salad travels well, making it great for sharing.
With Additional Toppings
- Feta cheese: Crumbled feta adds a tangy flavor that complements the salad perfectly.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes bring a burst of color and sweetness.
As Part of a Buffet
- Complement with grilled meats: Pair with grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal.
- Add fresh bread: Serve with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks to round out the meal.
How to Perfect Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad
To make your Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad truly exceptional, consider these handy tips that enhance flavor and texture.
- Choose fresh broccoli: Fresh florets maintain their crunch and vibrant color.
- Customize the dressing: Adjust the balance of mayo and sour cream to suit your taste.
- Incorporate herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can elevate the flavor profile.
- Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to sit in the fridge enhances the flavors as they meld together.
- Experiment with pasta shapes: Try other pasta types like fusilli or farfalle for different textures.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad
Pairing side dishes with your Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad makes for a complete meal experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider.
- Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful skewers of zucchini, bell peppers, and onions add smoky flavor.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar complements the creamy pasta salad beautifully with its crisp romaine and tangy dressing.
- Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread is perfect for scooping up any leftover dressing from your plate.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a nice contrast in texture and flavor to the creamy pasta salad.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers a refreshing sweetness that balances the richness of the pasta salad.
- Caprese Salad: The fresh mozzarella and basil pair well, enhancing the overall freshness of your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:
Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking pasta longer than recommended can lead to mushiness. Always check for al dente doneness according to package instructions.
Skipping the Rinse: Failing to rinse cooked pasta under cold water can result in sticky noodles. Rinsing helps prevent sticking and cools down the pasta for the salad.
Not Seasoning the Dressing: A bland dressing can make your salad taste flat. Taste and adjust seasonings like salt and pepper in your dressing for a flavorful punch.
Using Warm Ingredients: Adding warm chicken or pasta can wilt the broccoli and affect texture. Ensure everything is at room temperature or chilled before combining.
Neglecting to Toss Well: Not mixing the ingredients thoroughly can lead to uneven flavors. Be sure to toss all components together so every bite is delicious.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- Make sure it is completely cooled before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.
Freezing Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad
- It’s best not to freeze this salad due to its creamy dressing.
- If you must freeze, do so without the dressing and store in an airtight container.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before serving, but consume within 1 month for best quality.
Reheating Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad
Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat until warmed through. This may take about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring frequently until warmed through. This method helps keep the texture intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different pasta types for Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad?
Yes! While Radiatore works great, you can substitute with any short pasta like rotini or bowtie.
How long does Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, it lasts about 3-4 days.
Can I make Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
What variations can I try with this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad?
Feel free to add ingredients like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or swap almonds for walnuts based on your preferences!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This pasta salad holds up well and makes for an excellent easy lunch option throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that combines savory seasoned chicken with fresh veggies and a creamy dressing. Its versatility means you can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients or seasonal produce. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a quick meal prep option, this salad is sure to please everyone at your table. Give it a try today!
Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad
Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that brings together seasoned chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy dressing for a flavor-packed experience. This pasta salad is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or need a quick weeknight meal. In just 20 minutes, you can prepare this delightful dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike. Its combination of textures—from crunchy almonds to tender broccoli—ensures every bite is enjoyable. Plus, it’s easily customizable; add in your favorite veggies or proteins for a personal touch. Best of all, this salad tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal choice for meal prep or leftovers.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- Radiatore pasta
- Cooked seasoned chicken breast
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Golden raisins
- Diced celery
- Sliced almonds
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot until al dente, drain and rinse under cold water.
- In an extra-large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper until smooth.
- Add cooked pasta, diced chicken, broccoli florets, raisins, celery, almonds, and scallions to the bowl; toss to combine thoroughly.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs like parsley or basil. If you prefer a lighter dressing, adjust the ratio of mayonnaise to sour cream. Experiment with different pasta shapes such as fusilli or bowtie for variety.