Best 3 Broccoli And Chicken Pasta Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a symphony of flavors with this delectable Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Salad, a dish that harmoniously blends the goodness of broccoli, tender chicken, and a medley of colorful vegetables, enveloped in a creamy and tangy dressing. This versatile salad promises a refreshing meal, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light and satisfying lunch.

Our culinary journey begins with the Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Salad, where succulent broccoli florets and tender chicken breast come together in a delightful embrace. A rainbow of vegetables, including crisp carrots, sweet bell peppers, and vibrant cherry tomatoes, adds a delightful crunch and vibrant hues to each bite. The creamy dressing, a perfect balance of tangy mayonnaise, zesty Dijon mustard, and aromatic herbs, elevates the salad to a new level of flavor.

For those seeking a vegetarian delight, the Broccoli and Feta Pasta Salad offers a delectable twist. Feta cheese, known for its tangy and slightly salty flavor, replaces the chicken, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The creamy dressing, infused with fresh lemon juice and a hint of garlic, further enhances the salad's appeal.

If you prefer a lighter option, the Broccoli Pasta Salad presents a refreshing and vibrant choice. Broccoli florets take center stage, complemented by crisp celery and red onion, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette dressing. This salad's simplicity allows the natural flavors of the vegetables to shine through, making it a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or as a light and healthy meal on its own.

Lastly, the Broccoli and Bacon Pasta Salad promises a smoky and savory indulgence. Tender broccoli florets and crispy bacon bits unite in a flavorful dance, while a creamy dressing, infused with the essence of bacon and a touch of sweetness, brings it all together. This salad is sure to satisfy those with a penchant for bold and smoky flavors.

With four tantalizing variations to choose from, this collection of Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Salads caters to diverse preferences and dietary choices. Whether you're a meat lover, a vegetarian, or simply seeking a refreshing and flavorful meal, these salads promise an unforgettable culinary experience, ready to grace your table and delight your taste buds.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CREAMY HERBED CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI PASTA SALAD



Creamy Herbed Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Salad image

Stir grilled chicken into this creamy pasta salad with broccoli and roasted red pepper.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 45m

Yield 4-6

Number Of Ingredients 11

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
3 tablespoons sour cream
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
One 8-ounce boneless skinless chicken breast
2 cups bite-sized broccoli florets
8 ounces dried penne
1/2 cup jarred roasted red peppers, drained and chopped

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Whisk together the mayonnaise, basil, parsley, sour cream, lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl.
  • Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot; brush with the oil. Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken, turning once, until well-marked and just cooked through, about 7 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes, then cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
  • Meanwhile, cook the broccoli in the boiling water until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer the broccoli to a colander with a slotted spoon and run under cold water to stop the cooking process. Add the broccoli to the bowl with the dressing.
  • Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool; add to the bowl.
  • Add the chicken and red peppers to the bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. The pasta salad is best if served right away.

GRILLED CHICKEN PASTA SALAD WITH CARAMELIZED ONION, BROCCOLI AND MANGO



Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad with Caramelized Onion, Broccoli and Mango image

Boasting the flavors of caramelized onions, broccoli, red bell peppers and mangoes, this pasta salad has earned top ratings from Betty members.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 1h30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 package (8oz) uncooked campanelle or rotini pasta
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 lb)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped (3/4 cup)
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 ripe mangoes, seed removed, peeled, and cut up
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 medium zucchini, quartered lengthwise, then cut crosswise into slices (1 cup)
1 bottle (8 oz) Italian dressing
1/2 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Heat gas or charcoal grill. Cook pasta as directed on package; drain. Rinse with cold water to cool; drain well.
  • Meanwhile, place chicken on grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook 15 to 20 minutes, turning once or twice until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (170°F). Cool slightly. Cut into 3/4-inch cubes.
  • In 8-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Stir in onion; cook uncovered 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook 10 to 15 minutes longer, stirring every 5 minutes, until onion is deep golden brown (onion will shrink during cooking). Cool slightly.
  • In large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, caramelized onion and remaining ingredients; toss gently to coat. Cover; refrigerate 30 minutes to blend flavors.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 360, Carbohydrate 42 g, Cholesterol 35 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 4 g, Protein 19 g, SaturatedFat 1 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 810 mg, Sugar 13 g, TransFat 0 g

BROCCOLI AND CHICKEN PASTA SALAD



Broccoli and Chicken Pasta Salad image

Great for lunch boxes. Healthy food kids love!

Provided by maggiek

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes     Chicken Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups fusilli pasta
¾ cup broccoli florets
¾ cup shredded cooked chicken
¾ cup sweet corn, drained
8 cherry tomatoes, halved, or more to taste
3 green onions, finely chopped
4 tablespoons light olive oil
1 ½ tablespoons liquid honey
1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce
1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook fusilli in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water. Transfer pasta to a large bowl.
  • Meanwhile, fit a deep saucepan with a steamer insert. Add 2 inches of water and heat to boiling. Place broccoli in the steamer, cover, and cook until just tender, about 4 minutes. Add to the bowl with the cooked pasta.
  • Add chicken, corn, tomatoes, and green onions to the bowl with the pasta.
  • Whisk olive oil, honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and black pepper together in a bowl. Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 218.1 calories, Carbohydrate 36.9 g, Cholesterol 19.7 mg, Fat 3.1 g, Fiber 2.8 g, Protein 13.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.8 g, Sodium 458.3 mg, Sugar 9 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the better your pasta salad will taste. Look for broccoli that is bright green and has tightly closed florets, and use chicken that is fresh or thawed and cooked through.
  • Cook the broccoli and chicken perfectly: Broccoli should be cooked until it is tender-crisp, and chicken should be cooked through but not overcooked. This will help to ensure that your pasta salad has the best flavor and texture.
  • Use a flavorful dressing: The dressing is what will bring all of the flavors of your pasta salad together. Be sure to use a dressing that you enjoy, and that complements the other ingredients in the salad.
  • Add some extras: Feel free to add other ingredients to your pasta salad to make it more your own. Some popular additions include diced red onion, chopped celery, grated Parmesan cheese, or crumbled bacon.

Conclusion:

Broccoli and chicken pasta salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a summer gathering or potluck. With its fresh, flavorful ingredients and creamy dressing, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try!

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