Looking for a vibrant and nutritious dish for your next summer gathering? This Broccoli Pasta Salad is the answer! Packed with crunchy broccoli, tender pasta, and a creamy ranch sauce, it’s a delightful addition to any meal. Perfect for those who love easy pasta salad recipes, this dish is also a great way to incorporate healthy ingredients into your diet.
This recipe not only satisfies your cravings but also keeps you within your calorie goals. With under 250 calories per serving, it’s an ideal choice for side dishes easy enough for a BBQ or as a light lunch option. The combination of seasoned chicken and broccoli makes it a filling yet refreshing salad that everyone will enjoy.
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Vibrant and Tasty Broccoli Pasta Salad
The Broccoli Pasta Salad is a colorful dish that brightens up any summer gathering. With vibrant green broccoli florets complemented by tender pasta, this salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor.
Featuring seasoned chicken and colorful cherry tomatoes, this salad offers a delightful crunch and savory notes. Topped with creamy ranch dressing, it invites everyone to dig in, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a healthy yet satisfying option.
Why Choose Broccoli Pasta Salad?
This refreshing salad is ideal for outdoor meals or picnics. The combination of ingredients results in a dish that is truly enjoyable. It’s a standout among other pasta food recipes, offering nutrition and taste without compromising on enjoyment.
Whether it’s for a family BBQ or a friendly gathering, this Broccoli Salad Recipe serves as a delicious complement to any main course. It fits seamlessly into the category of easy summer meals, proving that healthy eating can be delicious too.
Elements of a Perfect Salad
In creating the perfect Broccoli Pasta Salad, balance is key. The creamy ranch sauce provides a rich and tangy flavor, while the fresh ingredients like broccoli and tomatoes contribute to a well-rounded taste profile.
In addition, seasoned chicken enhances the dish, making it satisfying enough to serve as a light meal. This flexibility in serving options makes it a great choice for salads for a crowd, ensuring everyone leaves happy and full.
Convenience and Preparation
One of the greatest advantages of this salad is its simplicity. With a prep time of just 15 minutes, it allows you to quickly whip up a dish without spending too much time in the kitchen.
By utilizing easy pasta salad recipes, busy cooks can feel relieved while still providing a delicious offering. This Broccoli Pasta dish is easy to assemble and can be chilled beforehand, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serving the Broccoli Pasta Salad in a rustic bowl garnished with shredded cheese adds an appealing touch. Pair it with a wooden serving spoon for a homely feel. The inviting look encourages guests to help themselves and enjoy.
Whether as a side dish for BBQs or as a light lunch, this salad adapts well to any occasion. Its vibrant colors and refreshing taste make it a favorite choice for gatherings, making it a must-try for anyone looking for healthy pasta salads.
Conclusion on Salad Appeal
Incorporating a variety of ingredients in your Broccoli Pasta Salad not only enhances its taste but also boosts its nutritional value. The combination of pasta, chicken, and fresh vegetables creates a filling and enjoyable dish.
Perfect for summer gatherings or casual meals, this salad is destined to become a staple in your recipe collection. With its ease of preparation and vibrant presentation, it’s a dish that will not disappoint.
Healthy and Easy Broccoli Pasta Salad
This Broccoli Pasta Salad is a creamy, crunchy delight that features a mix of tender pasta, fresh broccoli florets, and a homemade creamy ranch dressing. The taste is a perfect balance of savory and fresh, making it an excellent option for salads for a crowd.
With the addition of seasoned chicken, this salad also becomes a satisfying meal on its own, ideal for those warm summer days when you don’t want to spend too much time cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (your choice)
- 1 cup fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked and seasoned chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup creamy ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the creamy ranch dressing, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, broccoli florets, seasoned chicken, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is well coated.
- Chill: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Serve: Serve cold as a refreshing side dish or a light meal option.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
Diet Suitability and Adjustments
| Diet | Explanation/Adjustments Needed |
|---|---|
| Omnivore | This recipe is naturally suitable for omnivores as it includes chicken, dairy (ranch dressing, optional cheese), and vegetables. |
| Pescatarian | Replace the chicken with cooked shrimp, canned tuna, or salmon to make it suitable for a pescatarian diet. |
| Vegetarian | Omit the chicken and optionally add a plant-based protein source such as chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh. Ensure the ranch dressing is vegetarian. |
| Vegan | Replace the ranch dressing with a vegan alternative, omit the cheese, and replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like marinated tofu or chickpeas. Use pasta that doesn’t contain eggs. |
| Gluten-Free | Substitute the pasta with a certified gluten-free pasta. Ensure the ranch dressing and any optional ingredients (like shredded cheese) are gluten-free. |
| Low-Carb/Keto | Use a low-carb pasta alternative, such as shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles, and ensure the ranch dressing is low in carbohydrates. Reduce or omit cherry tomatoes as they contain natural sugars. |
| Paleo | Replace the pasta with a paleo-friendly alternative (e.g., zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash). Use a paleo-compliant dressing and omit the cheese. Substitute chicken with organic, unprocessed cuts if needed. |
| Dairy-Free | Use a dairy-free ranch dressing and omit the optional shredded cheese. Ensure the dressing and other ingredients are free from hidden dairy. |
| Whole30 | Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or another Whole30-compliant alternative. Use a Whole30-approved ranch dressing, omit the cheese, and ensure the chicken is minimally processed and compliant. |
| Nut-Free | The recipe is naturally nut-free. Ensure that all ingredients, especially the dressing, are free from potential cross-contamination with nuts. |
