The beauty of this Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad lies in its contrast tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and chewy golden raisins, all tied together with a creamy, tangy dressing that’s irresistible. This dish is vibrant in flavor and color, making it a standout on any brunch or buffet table.
Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, potluck, or just want a wholesome, satisfying lunch, this pasta salad checks all the boxes. It can be made ahead, is easy to transport, and feeds a crowd. With each bite offering crunch, sweetness, and protein, it’s bound to become a favorite in your rotation.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 pound Radiatore pasta (or any small pasta)
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1 pound cooked seasoned chicken breast, diced
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3 cups small broccoli florets
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1/2 cup golden raisins
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1/2 cup diced celery
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3/4 cup sliced almonds
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4 scallions, diced
For the Dressing:
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1 cup mayonnaise
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3/4 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
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2 tablespoons honey
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3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
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1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
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1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper until smooth.
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Add cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, raisins, celery, almonds, and scallions to the bowl with the dressing.
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Toss gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are coated evenly.
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Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 1–2 hours to chill before serving. For best crunch, stir in almonds just before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 436 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad: The Perfect Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Dish
There are few dishes as versatile, comforting, and satisfying as a cold pasta salad and when it comes to combining hearty protein, vibrant vegetables, and creamy dressing, Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad reigns supreme. Whether you’re prepping for a potluck, planning a summer picnic, or simply want something quick and filling to store in the fridge for weekday lunches, this dish checks every box.
Packed with flavor, color, and texture, this salad isn’t just another mayo-based side it’s a full fledged meal disguised as a crowd-pleasing classic. Let’s dig into what makes this dish such a standout, why it’s so adaptable, and how you can make it your own.
A Modern Twist on Traditional Pasta Salads
The evolution of pasta salad has been fascinating. What started as a simple mix of macaroni, mayonnaise, and maybe a few veggies has become a canvas for creativity in kitchens across the world. Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad sits at this intersection of tradition and innovation.
Drawing on the structure of classic cold pasta dishes, this version elevates expectations with the addition of seasoned chicken, bright green broccoli florets, crunchy celery and almonds, sweet golden raisins, and a creamy dressing that blends tang, sweetness, and spice. Each element complements the next and that’s the magic.
This is a dish that nods to family barbecues and cozy potlucks while staying modern enough to feature proudly at a brunch buffet or office lunch spread.
Flavor and Texture Harmony
One of the first things you’ll notice when biting into a forkful of Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad is how beautifully balanced the flavors are.
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The savory notes of the chicken and scallions offer depth, grounding the salad in hearty satisfaction.
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The sweetness from golden raisins cuts through the richness, delivering tiny pockets of surprise that contrast wonderfully with the dressing.
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Crunch is everywhere from the crisp-tender broccoli to the celery and sliced almonds. Each bite offers a textural rhythm that keeps things interesting.
And then there’s the dressing. It’s not just mayo-based; it’s a layered emulsion of mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), honey, Dijon mustard, and seasonings. The combination gives you creaminess with a tangy twist, just sweet enough to offset the other ingredients but not so much that it feels like dessert. It coats the pasta perfectly and binds the entire dish into a cohesive bite.
Why This Dish Works for Any Occasion
One of the best things about Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad is how effortlessly it moves between roles it’s a side dish, a main course, a make-ahead lunch, or a contribution to a potluck all in one. That versatility makes it a kitchen staple.
1. Make-Ahead Friendly
The dressing holds up well for a day or two in the fridge, and the dish actually improves in flavor after some time to marinate. This makes it a great option for prepping the night before a gathering or assembling lunches for the week. Just hold off on adding the almonds until serving to keep their crunch intact.
2. Feeds a Crowd
With a pound of pasta and plenty of mix-ins, this recipe yields a generous batch enough to serve at least a dozen as a side dish. It’s ideal for entertaining, holiday spreads, or meal prepping for families.
3. Customizable
Don’t like raisins? Swap them out for dried cranberries or skip them altogether. Want more color? Toss in diced red bell pepper or shredded carrots. Prefer grilled chicken instead of poached or rotisserie? Go for it. The backbone of this recipe is strong, allowing endless variation.
A Nutritionally Balanced Choice
While many pasta salads lean heavily on carbs and fats, this version includes enough protein and fiber to keep things nutritionally balanced. The chicken brings lean protein to the table, while broccoli offers not just crunch, but a healthy dose of vitamin C, folate, and antioxidants.
Almonds add healthy fats and additional protein, while the base of Radiatore or other small pasta holds everything together and makes the salad satisfying. Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the dressing can also cut down on fat and add probiotics a win win for health conscious eaters.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad can be served in so many ways:
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As a main course: It makes an excellent light dinner or hearty lunch on its own. Pair it with a green smoothie or fruit salad to round out the meal.
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As a side dish: Serve it alongside grilled meats, sandwiches, or burgers for a refreshing, creamy complement.
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For picnics and potlucks: Because it’s best served cold or at room temperature, this dish travels well and holds up beautifully in cooler bags.
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In lunchboxes: Packed into containers, this is an ideal no-heat lunch for work or school.
To add a fresh twist when serving, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill, or even a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish just before serving.
Tips for Perfecting Your Pasta Salad
Here are a few pro tips to make your Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad a guaranteed hit every time:
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Cook your pasta al dente: It will continue to soften as it sits in the dressing, so don’t overdo it during the boiling phase.
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Blanch the broccoli: A quick dip in boiling water, followed by an ice bath, will brighten the color and soften the florets just enough while keeping the crunch.
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Don’t skip the chill time: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Toast the almonds: A quick toast brings out the nuttiness and enhances the flavor and crunch.
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Dress generously, but don’t overdrown: The pasta will absorb the dressing over time, so a generous coating upfront is fine but avoid making it soupy.
The Heart of Comfort and Creativity
At its core, Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad is more than just a mix of ingredients. It’s a canvas for flavor, a celebration of texture, and a nostalgic comfort food with room to evolve. Whether it’s your first time making it or your fiftieth, this dish invites personalization while delivering consistent, delicious results.
Home cooks love it because it’s simple and dependable. Guests love it because it’s satisfying and fresh. Kids love it because it’s creamy and mildly sweet. Health-conscious eaters love it because of the balance and flexibility. Everyone wins.
Conclusion:
There’s a reason Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad has stood the test of time and keeps appearing on tables across seasons it’s comforting without being heavy, customizable without being fussy, and elegant without being complicated. It invites you to use what you have, play with flavors, and feed the people you love.
Whether you’re throwing together a weeknight dinner, prepping for a big family gathering, or just need a go to dish that always delivers, this pasta salad deserves a spot in your regular rotation. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together and that’s what great food is all about.