California Chicken Cafe Broccoli Pasta Salad
A fresh and creamy pasta salad inspired by California Chicken Cafe! Loaded with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a zesty lemon-garlic dressing, this dish is perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or light lunches.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breasts (diced)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (blanched and chopped)
- 2 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper (diced)
- 1/2 cup red onion (finely chopped)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water and set aside.
- Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 1–2 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath. Drain and chop.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, broccoli, pasta, bell pepper, and red onion. Pour dressing over and toss well.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Top with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan just before serving.