Every time I make this Chicken Pasta Salad, I’m amazed by the vibrant combination of flavors. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and sweet raisins mingle with garlic, lemon, and a bit of dill in a creamy dressing. The playful mix of rotini, celery, and tangy notes leaves me excited for more.

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I recently put together my take on a Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad that really got my taste buds dancing. I used 8 ounces of rotini pasta, perfectly cooked and cooled, and combined it with 1 lb of seasoned and cooked chicken breasts chopped into bite size pieces.

I love how the tender broccoli florets and diced celery add a nice crunch to every forkful, and tossing in 1/2 cup raisins brought an unexpected sweetness. The creamy dressing with 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, a splash of lemon juice, and a pinch of garlic powder ties everything together.

I also added just enough salt, pepper and a hint of dried dill to elevate the flavors. This Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad is a fun twist on classic salad pasta dishes and even reminds me of those inspiring chicken broccoli recipes.

Give it a try, you might end up loving it as much as I do.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I really love how the creamy dressing ties everything together even though it’s kind of messy sometimes to get it just right.
2. I like that there’s a cool mix of textures in every bite – the tender chicken, crunchy celery, and sweet raisins hit different spots in my mouth.
3. I appreciate that it’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for days when I dont have tons of time to cook fancy meals.
4. And honestly, the broccoli adds a healthy kick that makes me feel like im eating something wholesome even if its still super tasty.

Ingredients

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Rotini pasta gives you essential carbs that fuel your day and provide energy.
Chicken is an excellent source of protein, helping build and repair body tissues.
Broccoli offers fibre and vitamins, making the salad extra nutritious and crisp.
Celery adds a satisfying crunch and natural fibre to support your digestion.
Raisins deliver a hint of sweetness due to their natural sugars and texture.
Mayonnaise lends creaminess and rich flavor, balancing tangy notes perfectly.

Ingredient Quantities

8 ounces rotini pasta, cooked and cooled

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, seasoned and cooked, then chopped

2 cups broccoli florets, blanched or steamed

2 stalks celery, diced

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon dried dill (optional)

How to Make this

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1. Boil the rotini pasta as per the package instructions. Drain it and let it cool to room temperature.

2. Season the chicken breasts with a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then cook them in a skillet until they are fully done. Once cooled, chop them into bite-sized pieces.

3. While the chicken’s cooking, blanch or steam the broccoli florets for about 2 minutes until they’re tender-crisp. Drain and let them cool.

4. Dice the celery into small pieces so that it mixes well with the rest of the ingredients.

5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped chicken, broccoli, diced celery, and raisins.

6. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, extra garlic powder, dried dill (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt and pepper.

7. Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture and toss it all together until everything is evenly coated.

8. Give it a taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.

9. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors mix nicely.

10. Serve chilled and enjoy your yummy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot for boiling the pasta
2. Colander to drain the pasta and broccoli
3. Skillet for cooking the chicken
4. Cutting board to chop the chicken and dice the celery
5. Sharp knife for cutting the ingredients
6. Steamer basket or another pot for blanching the broccoli
7. Large mixing bowl for combining the pasta, chicken, broccoli, celery, and raisins
8. Small bowl for whisking together the creamy dressing
9. Whisk to blend the dressing ingredients
10. Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions

FAQ

Q: How do I properly cook the chicken for this recipe?

A: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then cook in a skillet until it's not pink inside. Its important to let it cool a bit before chopping it for the salad.

Q: Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

A: Sure thing! You can prepare it a few hours before serving. Just keep it refrigerated and stir it again before serving so the flavors mix well.

Q: What if I don’t have broccoli, can I use a substitute?

A: You can try using green beans or spinach instead of broccoli. They work well, but the texture and taste will be a bit different.

Q: Can I swap out raisins if I'm not a fan?

A: Yep, if raisins aren’t your thing, try using dried cranberries or even chopped apples. They add a nice sweetness to the salad.

Q: How should I store leftovers?

A: Put any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and eat within 3 days. If it gets too thick, mix in a little extra lemon juice or mayo to loosen it up.

Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of rotini pasta, you could try elbow macaroni or penne which work just as well
If you’re out of chicken breasts, using leftover rotisserie chicken or turkey can be a good option
Instead of broccoli florets, cauliflower florets make a tasty and similar substitute
If mayo isn’t your thing, Greek yogurt will give you a tangy twist that’s just as creamy
For raisins, dried cranberries can bring a nice burst of flavor in its place

Pro Tips

• If you’re blanching broccoli try an ice bath right after boiling so your veggies stay super crisp and bright.
• When cooking the chicken, make sure you season it well and let it rest a little before chopping to lock in those juices.
• Mix your dressing ingredients first and then add them slowly to your pasta so you can adjust the flavor if it feels too heavy or tangy.
• Feel free to experiment by tossing in extras like toasted nuts or a squeeze more lemon juice if u crave a zesty kick.