Zesty Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe

Name: Zesty Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts; 8 ounces shell pasta (cooked according to package directions and cooled); 1 head broccoli (washed, cut and steamed, left slightly crunchy); ½ cup red onion, diced; ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped (any fresh herb of your choice); salt and pepper; ½ cup pine nuts, toasted; 2 tablespoons prepared pesto sauce; 1 tablespoon cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon sour cream; ¼ cup Italian dressing

Servings: persons

2 chicken breasts
8 ounces shell pasta (cooked according to package directions and cooled)
1 head broccoli (washed, cut and steamed, left slightly crunchy)
½ cup red onion, diced
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped (any fresh herb of your choice)
salt and pepper
½ cup pine nuts, toasted
2 tablespoons prepared pesto sauce
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sour cream
¼ cup Italian dressing

1
Preheat oven to 350.
2
Season chicken with salt and pepper, and any additional spices of your choice.
3
Line baking sheet with foil and bake chicken for 35 minutes or until done.
4
Let rest 10 minutes or longer, then shred into large salad bowl.
5
Add to the bowl; cooked and cooled pasta, cooked and cooled broccoli, red onion, fresh herbs, salt and pepper, and toasted nuts.
6
In small bowl, for the dressing, mix pesto, vinegar, sour cream, and italian dressing.
7
Pour dressing over salad and mix well.
8
Refridgerate and serve cold.

593

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 chicken breasts, 8 ounces shell pasta (cooked according to package directions and cooled), 1 head broccoli (washed, cut and steamed, left slightly crunchy), ½ cup red onion, diced, and more.

Yes, Zesty Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Zesty Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions