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

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This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and fresh flavors. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal prep idea, a quick lunch, or a potluck dish, this recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

  • 12 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
  • ¼ cup bacon bits (optional)
  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds (optional, for crunch)

For the Dressing:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, and set aside.

2️⃣ Blanch the broccoli: Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly tender but still bright green. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to retain crispness.

3️⃣ Prepare the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.

4️⃣ Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, blanched broccoli, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, red onion, bacon bits (if using), and sunflower seeds.

5️⃣ Toss & chill: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

6️⃣ Serve & enjoy: Serve chilled, garnished with extra cheese or fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • For a lighter version: Use all Greek yogurt instead of mayo and swap regular pasta for whole wheat or chickpea pasta.
  • Make it ahead: This pasta salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, making it great for meal prep.
  • Extra crunch? Add toasted almonds or cashews for a nutty flavor.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Find it online: https://richspoon.com/the-ultimate-chicken-and-broccoli-pasta-salad-light-creamy-and-satisfying/