Print

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad

creamy chicken broccoli pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy creamy chicken and broccoli pasta salad with garlic and feta, perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal that’s great for weeknight dinners or meals on-the-go.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded or diced chicken breast
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, blanched
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.
  2. In the same boiling water, add 2 cups broccoli florets for 1-2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer to ice water or rinse under cold water to keep the crunch. Drain well and pat dry.
  3. Prepare 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced. If using raw chicken, pan-sear seasoned chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through, then cool and chop.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup Greek yogurt, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust consistency with water or more olive oil if needed.
  5. In a large salad bowl, combine cooked pasta, blanched broccoli, chicken, and ½ cup crumbled feta cheese. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly.
  6. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or dill if using.
  7. Refrigerate salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Stir gently before serving and garnish with extra feta or black pepper if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta or broccoli to avoid sogginess. Rinse pasta after cooking to keep it from sticking and to cool it for the salad. Start with most of the dressing and add more after chilling to prevent overdressing. Flavors improve after chilling for several hours or overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta salad, broccoli pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, chicken salad, easy dinner, meal prep salad

Find it online: https://swooshspice.com/creamy-chicken-broccoli-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-healthy-meal-ideas/