The Ultimate Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Salad – Light, Creamy, and Satisfying

Introduction & First Steps of the Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and protein-packed pasta salad, this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad is about to become your new favorite meal! It’s the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fresh flavors, making it ideal for meal prep, picnics, or a light lunch.

Unlike heavier pasta dishes, this salad is light yet satisfying—with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, juicy cherry tomatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy homemade dressing that brings everything together. Plus, it’s completely customizable, so you can tweak it to fit your taste and dietary preferences!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes with minimal effort!
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Stays fresh and delicious for days in the fridge.
✔️ Healthy & Balanced – Loaded with protein, fiber, and fresh veggies.
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion – Enjoy it for lunch, dinner, potlucks, or BBQs.
✔️ Customizable – Easily swap ingredients to fit your diet and taste!

If you love pasta salads but want something wholesome and filling, this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad is a must-try!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This pasta salad is made with simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal.

For the Salad:

🍝 12 oz pasta – Use rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta for the best texture.
🍗 2 cups cooked chicken breast – Diced or shredded for easy mixing.
🥦 2 cups fresh broccoli florets – Lightly blanched for a crisp-tender bite.
🍅 ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved – Adds a pop of color and freshness.
🧀 ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – Because cheese makes everything better!
🧅 ¼ cup red onion, finely diced – Adds a mild crunch and a little bite.
🥓 ¼ cup bacon bits (optional) – For a smoky, salty kick.
🌻 ¼ cup sunflower seeds (optional) – Adds a nutty crunch.

For the Dressing:

🥄 ½ cup mayonnaise – For a creamy base.
🥣 ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream) – Adds a slight tang and extra protein.
🫒 2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps blend the dressing smoothly.
🌿 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Adds a touch of zest.
🍋 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Brightens up the flavors!
🍯 1 teaspoon honey – Balances the tanginess with a little sweetness.
🧄 ½ teaspoon garlic powder – For savory depth.
🧂 ½ teaspoon salt – Essential for seasoning!
⚫ ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a mild kick.

💡 Customization Tip: Want to make this even healthier? Swap out regular pasta for whole wheat, chickpea, or lentil pasta for added fiber and protein!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Let’s start by cooking the pasta to perfection.

1️⃣ Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2️⃣ Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm but tender).
3️⃣ Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

💡 Pasta Tip: Rinsing the pasta removes excess starch, preventing it from getting too sticky in the salad.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli

Blanching broccoli softens it slightly while keeping its bright green color and crunch!

4️⃣ Bring a small pot of water to a boil.
5️⃣ Add the broccoli florets and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
6️⃣ Immediately drain the broccoli and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

💡 Blanching Tip: This method preserves the broccoli’s nutrients and vibrant color, keeping it fresh-tasting!

At this point, we have:
✅ Perfectly cooked pasta that’s cooled and ready to use.
✅ Bright, crisp-tender broccoli that adds freshness and crunch.

Next up, we’ll prepare the creamy homemade dressing and assemble the salad!

Part 2: Making the Dressing & Assembling the Salad

Now that our pasta is perfectly cooked and our broccoli is crisp-tender, it’s time to whip up the creamy dressing and bring everything together!

This homemade dressing is the perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and slightly sweet flavors, making every bite of this pasta salad deliciously irresistible.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Dressing

The dressing is what ties everything together, giving this pasta salad its rich, tangy, and slightly zesty flavor.

7️⃣ In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (for creaminess)
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream) (for a slight tang)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for smooth blending)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (adds a mild kick)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for brightness)
• 1 teaspoon honey (for a touch of sweetness)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (adds depth)
• ½ teaspoon salt (enhances flavor)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (for mild heat)

8️⃣ Whisk until smooth and creamy.

💡 Dressing Tip: If the dressing is too thick, add a splash of milk or extra olive oil to thin it out slightly.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Now comes the fun part—bringing everything together!

9️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• The cooked and cooled pasta
• Diced or shredded cooked chicken
• Blanched broccoli florets
• Halved cherry tomatoes
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Finely diced red onion
• Bacon bits (if using)
• Sunflower seeds (if using, for extra crunch)

💡 Customization Tip: Want more veggies? Add bell peppers, cucumbers, or shredded carrots for extra color and texture!

Step 5: Toss & Chill

🔟 Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
1️⃣1️⃣ Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

💡 Chilling Tip: Letting the pasta salad sit in the fridge allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious!

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

1️⃣2️⃣ Give the salad one final toss before serving.
1️⃣3️⃣ Garnish with extra shredded cheese or fresh parsley, if desired.

💡 Serving Tip: This pasta salad tastes best chilled, but if you prefer a slightly warmer version, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.