Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad

Looking for a fresh way to brighten up your lunch routine? This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad is the answer! With tender chicken, crunchy broccoli, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a creamy dressing, it’s a dish that’s both hearty and refreshing.

The best part? It works just as well as a quick weeknight meal, a side dish for BBQs, or the star of your next potluck. Ready in just about 30 minutes, it’s proof that simple can also be delicious. If you love classics like my Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing, you’ll fall in love with this recipe too!

What is Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad?

Think of it as the ultimate all-in-one bowl: protein from the chicken, fiber and crunch from the broccoli, and satisfying carbs from the pasta. Everything is tied together with a creamy dressing that balances richness with a hint of tang.

It’s not just a “chicken salad”—it’s a complete, colorful, and family-friendly meal. One bite and you’ll understand why this salad deserves its long name!

Why You’ll Love It

1. Packed with Flavor: Savory chicken, crisp broccoli, and al dente pasta in a creamy lemon-mayo dressing.

2. Budget-Friendly: Easy to make at home with simple grocery staples.

3. Adaptable: Add-ins like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, nuts, or even cheese take it to the next level.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad

Quick Overview

This recipe is light, creamy, and perfect for warm days—or anytime you need a quick, satisfying dish. You’ll have it ready in around 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or your favorite)

• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced (rotisserie or grilled works great)

• 2 cups broccoli florets, blanched

• ½ cup red onion, diced

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt & pepper, to taste

• Optional add-ins: cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, grated cheese, or nuts

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Boil in salted water until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.

2. Blanch Broccoli: Boil florets for 2 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to keep them bright and crisp.

3. Mix Base: In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, broccoli, and red onion.

4. Make Dressing: Whisk mayo, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.

5. Combine: Toss the salad with dressing until evenly coated.

6. Chill: Let rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

What to Serve With It

This salad can stand alone as a main dish, but it pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled chicken, steak, or BBQ burgers

• Garlic bread or a light green salad

• Refreshing drinks like iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water

Tips for the Perfect Salad

Don’t overcook broccoli—it should stay crisp and bright green.
Switch up the dressing—a spoonful of Dijon mustard or a touch of Greek yogurt adds extra zing.
Meal-prep friendly—store in the fridge for 3–4 days; perfect for quick lunches.

Storing & Serving

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This salad is best enjoyed cold, so no reheating needed—just give it a quick stir before serving.

This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad V is colorful, creamy, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re making it for a picnic, potluck, or just a simple lunch at home, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser


Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad

A vibrant and flavorful salad featuring tender chicken, crunchy broccoli, and pasta tossed in a creamy dressing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course, Salad

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pasta Any kind preferred; rotini works well.
• 1 cup cooked chicken, diced Grilled or rotisserie chicken.
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced

Dressing

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• to taste salt and pepper

Optional Add-ins

• chopped nuts (like walnuts), grated cheese, or diced bell peppers Feel free to add your favorites!

Method

 

Preparation

1. Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. While the pasta cooks, blanch the broccoli. Bring a small pot of water to a boil, add the broccoli florets, and cook for about 2 minutes. Drain and immediately transfer to an ice bath to maintain their vibrant color and crunch.

Combining Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, blanched broccoli, and red onion.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.

Chill and Serve

1. We recommend letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!

Notes

Customize your ingredients and dressing to enhance flavors. This salad holds up well in the fridge for meal prep.