Seasoned chicken, tender broccoli, sweet golden raisins, and crunchy celery unite in this delightful Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad. With a creamy dressing that ties everything together, it’s the perfect dish for summer picnics, potlucks, or any gathering. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also offers a unique flavor profile that your guests will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it a hassle-free option for busy days.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of seasoned chicken and creamy dressing ensures that every bite is packed with delicious flavors.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or main dish, this salad fits seamlessly into any meal plan or occasion.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with protein from the chicken and vitamins from broccoli, you can enjoy a healthy meal without sacrificing taste.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare this salad in advance and refrigerate it until serving for a stress-free dining experience.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad effortlessly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Extra-large mixing bowl
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta evenly, ensuring it cooks perfectly al dente.
- Colander: Helps drain the pasta quickly and efficiently after cooking.
- Extra-large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk: Ideal for smoothly blending the dressing ingredients together.
Ingredients
Seasoned chicken, broccoli, golden raisins, celery, and a wonderful creamy dressing come together to make this awesome Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad. A total crowd pleaser, perfect for summer gatherings or all year long!
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 the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water. Drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In an extra-large mixing bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the dressing until combined and smooth.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add in the cooked pasta, diced chicken, broccoli florets, golden raisins, diced celery, sliced almonds, and diced scallions. Toss everything together until well combined and coated with the dressing.
Step 4: Serve or Refrigerate
Enjoy your Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad right away or refrigerate until ready to serve. This dish is best when chilled!
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad
Serving Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad is a delightful experience that can be tailored to various occasions. This salad not only stands out on its own but also pairs wonderfully with different dishes for a complete meal.
For a Summer Picnic
- Chilled Delight: Serve the salad cold in a portable container, perfect for outdoor picnics.
- Individual Portions: Pack individual servings in mason jars for easy transport and serving.
As a Light Lunch
- With Crackers: Pair the salad with whole-grain crackers for added crunch and nutrition.
- On Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the salad into crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh twist.
At Family Gatherings
- Buffet Style: Place the salad in a large bowl on a buffet table, allowing guests to serve themselves.
- Garnished with Herbs: Top with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an appealing presentation.
For Potlucks
- Double Batch: Make extra to ensure there’s enough for everyone at potluck events.
- Label Ingredients: Include a label with ingredients for those with dietary restrictions.
How to Perfect Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad, consider these helpful tips.
- Bold seasoning: Adjust the dressing ingredients based on personal taste; feel free to add more salt or spices.
- Fresh ingredients: Use fresh broccoli florets instead of frozen for better crunch and flavor.
- Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least an hour allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Customizable add-ins: Add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrients.
- Balance creaminess: If you prefer a lighter salad, substitute some mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Pasta choice matters: Radiatore pasta holds dressing well, but other shapes like rotini or fusilli work too!
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad
Pairing your Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad with complementary side dishes can enhance any meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread provides a tasty contrast and is perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing.
- Caprese Skewers: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing bite.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds sweetness and balances the richness of the pasta salad.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies add smoky flavors that pair well with the creamy pasta dish.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings crunch and acidity that complements the creamy texture of the pasta salad.
- Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses provides variety and sophistication when served alongside.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the dish’s overall flavor and texture.
- Ignoring the pasta cooking time: Cooking the pasta too long can make it mushy. Always check the package instructions for al dente cooking times and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
- Forgetting to season the dressing: A bland dressing can ruin your salad. Make sure to taste and adjust seasoning, adding salt, pepper, or even more Dijon mustard if needed.
- Overloading on ingredients: Adding too many extra ingredients can overwhelm the salad. Stick to the recipe for balanced flavors, and consider customization only after trying the original version.
- Using low-quality mayonnaise: The dressing is a crucial part of this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad. Opt for a good quality mayonnaise to enhance creaminess and flavor.
- Not chilling before serving: Serving immediately may compromise texture. Allowing it to chill in the fridge for at least an hour helps flavors meld beautifully.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Container: Use an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Freezing Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad
- Duration: Best consumed fresh; however, if necessary, freeze for up to 1 month.
- Container: Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. This prevents freezer burn.
Reheating Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the salad in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer a portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through, ensuring it doesn’t stick or burn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of pasta in Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad?
Yes! You can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli or penne. Just ensure it’s cooked al dente.
How can I make Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad healthier?
You can reduce calories by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or mayonnaise. Additionally, add more veggies like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition.
Can I prepare Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Prepare it a day in advance; it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge overnight.
What should I serve with Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad?
This dish pairs well with grilled meats or seafood as a side. It’s also delicious on its own as a light lunch option!
Final Thoughts
Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile and perfect for any gathering. With its blend of textures and flavors—from seasoned chicken to crunchy almonds—it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Feel free to customize ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand; this recipe is easy to adapt while still delivering tasty results!
Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad
Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that harmoniously blends seasoned chicken, tender broccoli, sweet golden raisins, and crunchy celery. Tossed in a creamy dressing, this salad is perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or any gathering. With its delightful flavors and textures, it’s sure to impress your guests while being incredibly easy to prepare.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried Radiatore pasta
- 1 pound cooked seasoned chicken breast, diced
- 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
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In an extra-large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add pasta, chicken, broccoli, raisins, celery, almonds, and scallions to the dressing. Toss until well combined.
- Chill before serving for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 363
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 596mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 66mg