Chicken Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad is an incredibly creamy side dish that is perfect for cook outs or any occasion! Packed with juicy chicken, crunchy broccoli, loads of crispy bacon and cheese- all tossed in an incredible dressing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad is one of those recipes that checks every single box. It’s creamy without being heavy, hearty without being overwhelming, and packed with flavors everyone already loves. Tender pasta, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh broccoli all get coated in a rich, savory dressing that clings to every bite. It’s familiar, comforting, and somehow still feels fresh.
What really makes this salad special is how balanced it is. The broccoli adds a little crunch and freshness that keeps it from feeling too rich, while the bacon brings that smoky, salty bite that makes people go back for seconds. The chicken makes it filling enough to stand on its own as a meal, not just a side dish, which is always a win on busy days.
This is also one of those dishes that works for just about everything. Weeknight dinners, summer cookouts, potlucks, meal prep, holidays, you name it. It’s easy to make ahead, travels well, and is one of those “safe” dishes that both kids and adults genuinely enjoy. It’s comfort food, but the kind that still feels thoughtful and well-rounded.
This is one of the Summer Salad Staples at every get together during the warm/hot months, everyone devours this salad in a heartbeat!
Everyone adores this salad- it can be a whole meal with the delicious addition of juicy chicken!
Chicken Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad FAQ
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, and it’s actually better that way. Making it a few hours ahead or even the night before gives the flavors time to meld. Just store it covered in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving.
How long does chicken bacon broccoli pasta salad last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container, it will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. If it looks a little dry after chilling, stir in a tablespoon or two of extra dressing before serving.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short pasta with grooves works best, like rotini, fusilli, or penne. These shapes hold onto the dressing really well and mix evenly with the chicken and broccoli.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds extra flavor. Just make sure to remove the skin and dice the meat into bite-sized pieces.
How do I keep the broccoli from being too hard?
Lightly blanching or steaming the broccoli just until bright green helps soften it slightly while keeping a nice bite. You don’t want it mushy, just tender-crisp.
Can I use raw broccoli instead?
Yes, if you prefer more crunch. Just chop it small so it mixes well with the pasta and doesn’t overpower each bite.
What kind of bacon is best?
Thick-cut bacon works best because it stays meaty and doesn’t disappear into the salad. For extra crunch, reserve some bacon to sprinkle on top right before serving.
Is this pasta salad served warm or cold?
It’s best served chilled or at room temperature. Serving it cold allows the flavors to really shine and keeps the texture just right.
Can I make this recipe lighter?
You can swap part of the dressing for Greek yogurt or reduce the amount of bacon if you want a lighter version. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying.
Does this pasta salad travel well for potlucks?
Yes, it’s a great potluck dish. Keep it chilled until serving, and bring extra bacon or green onions to sprinkle on top for a fresh finish.
Can I add other ingredients?
Definitely. Red onion, peas, cherry tomatoes, or shredded cheese all work well if you want to customize it.
Will kids like this recipe?
Most kids love it. The creamy dressing, bacon, and pasta make it familiar and comforting, while the broccoli blends right in without being overwhelming.
The flavor is completely amazing and I promise you will be going back for seconds and thirds along with everyone else who tries it! It tastes amazing as a side dish with grilled foods!
The ultra crowd pleaser – One of the first things to disappear from any pot luck, pool party or family gathering!
It’s just standard easy ingredients too without sacrificing flavor! Its easily made with ingredients you already have on hand.
I always get a lot of compliments on how sensational it tastes ..so phenomenal. I love preparing the night before for convenience sake. 🙂
I love how I did the dressing for this salad as is but have added a couple teaspoons of ranch dressing to the mixture before as well for an extra zing of flavor- even added some dill would be delicious as well!
Storage, Make Ahead Tips, and Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
This Chicken Bacon Broccoli Pasta Salad is a great recipe to prepare ahead, which makes it perfect for busy days, gatherings, or meal prep. Once mixed, cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. As it chills, the flavors settle and deepen, which is why many people find it tastes even better the next day. If the salad thickens a bit after sitting, simply stir in a small splash of dressing or a spoonful of mayonnaise to refresh it before serving.
If you’re making this ahead for an event, it’s a good idea to reserve a little of the bacon and sprinkle it on just before serving. This keeps that smoky crunch front and center instead of softening too much in the fridge. You can also wait to add any fresh green onions or herbs until right before serving to keep everything looking bright and fresh.
One of the most common beginner mistakes is overcooking the pasta. Pasta that’s too soft can make the salad feel heavy and mushy, so cooking it just to al dente is key. Another mistake is mixing the salad while the pasta is still warm. Warm pasta will absorb too much dressing and can make the salad greasy instead of creamy. Always let everything cool completely before combining.
Using broccoli that’s too large or underprepared can also throw off the texture. Lightly blanching or chopping it small helps it blend evenly into the salad instead of overpowering each bite. Lastly, don’t skip seasoning. Even with bacon and cheese, a pinch of salt and pepper at the end helps bring all the flavors together and keeps the salad from tasting flat.
Personal Kitchen Notes
This is one of those recipes that just works for my family. It’s filling enough that my husband is actually satisfied, which is always the real test, and it’s familiar enough that my kids don’t hesitate when it hits the table. I love that I can make it ahead on a busy day and know dinner is already handled, especially on those afternoons when everything feels chaotic and time gets away from me. It’s also one of my go-to dishes when we’re headed to a gathering because it travels well and never comes home with leftovers. Recipes like this are the ones that quietly earn a permanent spot in our rotation, not because they’re fancy, but because they make life a little easier and everyone is genuinely happy to eat them.
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Chicken Broccoli Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lb. rotini pasta
- 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken breast
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 4 strips smoked bacon cooked and chopped
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese cubed
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 3/4 cup sliced toasted almonds
- 4 green onions sliced
For the dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp. pure honey
- 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
Instructions
- Cook rotini pasta according to package instruction and strain.
- Rinse pasta under cold water and drizzle with a little bit of oil.
- In a large serving bowl, combine all dressing ingredients and whisk until smooth.
- Add rotini pasta, chicken, broccoli florets, bacon, cheddar cheese cubes, raisins, celery, sliced almonds, and green onions.
- Toss to coat the salad in the dressing and serve.
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