Description
Dive into a bowl of Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad, where every bite offers a symphony of textures and flavors. From the tender chunks of chicken and al dente pasta to the crisp broccoli and sweet, chewy sun-dried tomatoes, this salad is a feast for the senses. The creamy dressing, tangy with a hint of garlic, ties everything together in a harmonious blend that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
- 1 cup cooked, chopped chicken breast
- 1 cup broccoli florets, blanched
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, chicken, broccoli, red bell pepper, red onion, sun-dried tomatoes, and black olives.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix Salad and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is well coated.
- Chill: Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Ingredient Flexibility: The beauty of this salad lies in its versatility. Feel free to substitute ingredients based on dietary preferences or what you have on hand. For instance, you can use whole wheat pasta for a fiber boost, add different vegetables like carrots or cucumbers for extra crunch, or even swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu to make it vegetarian.
- Dressing Customization: The recipe calls for a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise and sour cream, seasoned with white wine vinegar, sugar, and garlic. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can opt for Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise and sour cream. Additionally, adding herbs like dill or parsley can introduce a fresh flavor profile to the dressing.
- Make-ahead Convenience: This pasta salad is an excellent option for meal prep as it allows the flavors to meld and intensify when chilled. It can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it a perfect choice for busy weeks. Just give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal
