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Broccoli Chicken Pasta Salad

Broccoli Chicken Pasta Salad

The Crispy Chef
A colorful, protein-packed pasta salad featuring tender rotini, crisp-tender broccoli, juicy chicken, sharp cheddar, and sunflower seeds, all tossed in a creamy ranch-style dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and make-ahead meals.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Serving bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz rotini pasta (or penne/bow tie)
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
  • 0.25 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 0.5 cup sunflower seeds (or chopped almonds)
  • 0.75 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 tbsp milk (to thin dressing)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp salt, to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta according to package directions, but slightly undercook by 1 minute. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
  • Blanch broccoli florets in boiling salted water for 2 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain well.
  • In a large bowl, combine pasta, broccoli, chicken, cheddar cubes, red onion, and sunflower seeds.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, milk, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • Pour dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  • Cover and chill for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld. Stir before serving.

Notes

Alternative dressings include a tangy vinaigrette or a creamy Italian twist. Customizations: add cherry tomatoes, bacon bits, or fresh herbs like dill and parsley. Seasonal versions include a summer corn and bell pepper variation, or a fall cranberry and pecan version. Keeps well for 3–4 days refrigerated. Assemble ahead and add delicate toppings just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 22gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 680mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 48mgCalcium: 170mgIron: 2mg
Keyword broccoli chicken pasta salad, make-ahead potluck salad, pasta salad with chicken, summer salad
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