California Chicken Cafe Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe

I love a good pasta salad that feels light but still fills me up. The California Chicken Cafe Broccoli Pasta Salad became my go-to dish after trying it at the cafe.

The mix of creamy dressing, crunchy veggies, and soft pasta makes every bite memorable. This salad stands out from basic pasta dishes because it has fresh greens and a rich sauce that wraps around every piece.

People love it because it tastes fresh but also gives a comforting, satisfying bite.

You get that cafe-style flavor without leaving your house. I’m going to show you how to make this copycat California Chicken Cafe Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe with simple, easy steps.

The method is quick, and the results bring that same bright, delicious vibe right to your table. You’ll save money and get to enjoy this creamy, crunchy salad anytime you want.

What Makes This Broccoli Pasta Salad Taste Just Like California Chicken Cafe?

1. The Dressing Ratio – The blend of mayo and sour cream creates that signature creamy tang.

2. Fresh, Crunchy Vegetables – Raw broccoli and celery give you that crisp bite. You want small, even pieces. This helps the dressing coat every surface. The veggies stay firm even after chilling.

3. Simple Seasoning – Garlic powder, dried basil, and parmesan add depth without overpowering the salad. The vinegar brings a subtle zing. Black pepper adds just enough kick.

4. Al Dente Pasta – Slightly firm pasta holds up better. It absorbs the dressing without turning soft or mushy.

The Secret to Making California Chicken Cafe-Style Dressing at Home

The dressing makes or breaks this salad. I learned that balance matters most.

Start with three parts mayo to one part sour cream. This combo gives you creamy texture without feeling too heavy.

Add garlic powder and dried basil for herby notes. Parmesan brings salt and umami. Vinegar cuts through the richness and wakes up your taste. Black pepper adds a tiny kick at the end.

Mix everything in a small bowl until smooth. Whisk hard so no lumps remain. Thin the dressing with one spoon of milk at a time.

Too much milk makes it runny. Just enough lets it pour easily and coat every piece. Taste after each addition. You want a sauce that feels rich but still moves when you toss the salad.

California Chicken Cafe Broccoli Pasta Salad Ingredients

Salad Ingredients:

• Pasta (8 oz) – Rotini, fusilli, or penne work best. The spiral or tube shape holds onto the dressing. You can use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber. Gluten-free pasta also works, but cook it carefully to avoid a soft texture.
• Broccoli (2 cups, cut in small pieces) – Fresh broccoli florets give you the best crunch. Cut them small so they mix evenly. Frozen broccoli will work, but thaw and drain it completely. Pat it dry with a towel to remove extra moisture.
• Celery (3 sticks) – Celery adds a mild, fresh crunch. Slice it thin. You can swap it with diced cucumber or even bell pepper for a sweeter note.

Dressing Ingredients:

• Mayonnaise (3/4 cup) – This forms the creamy base. Use full-fat mayo for the richest flavor. Greek yogurt can replace half the mayo for a lighter option.
• Sour Cream (1/4 cup) – Sour cream adds tang and smoothness. Plain Greek yogurt works as a substitute. Both options bring a slight tartness.
• Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon) – Garlic powder is mild and spreads evenly. You can use fresh minced garlic, but use less since it tastes stronger.
• Dried Basil (1/2 teaspoon) – Dried basil gives an herbal lift. Fresh basil works too. Use about one tablespoon of fresh, chopped leaves.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (3 tablespoons) – Parmesan adds a salty, savory kick. Use the pre-grated kind or grate it fresh. Pecorino Romano can substitute for a sharper taste.
• Distilled Vinegar (1 tablespoon) – Vinegar brightens the dressing. White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can replace it. Lemon juice also works in a pinch.
• Black Pepper (1/2 tablespoon or less) – Freshly ground pepper tastes best. Start with less and add more to taste.
• Milk (1–2 tablespoons, optional) – Milk thins the dressing. You can use almond milk, oat milk, or even a splash of water.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

1. Large Pot – Boil pasta.
2. Strainer – Drain pasta.
3. Large Mixing Bowl – Combine all ingredients.
4. Small Bowl – Mix dressing.
5. Whisk – Blend dressing smooth.
6. Cutting Board – Chop veggies.
7. Sharp Knife – Slice broccoli and celery.
8. Measuring Cups – For wet ingredients.
9. Measuring Spoons – For dry seasonings.
10. Rubber Spatula – Toss salad gently.

How To Make California Chicken Cafe Broccoli Pasta Salad

Step 1 | Cook the Pasta

Set a large pot of water on the stove and bring it to a steady boil. Add the dry pasta and cook until it feels firm but not too soft. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy later.

Follow the time on the package. Once done, drain the pasta in a strainer. Rinse it under cold water so it cools down fast and stops cooking.

Step 2 | Prep the Broccoli

Place the broccoli on a cutting board. Cut it into small pieces that feel easy to chew. Tiny pieces mix better with the pasta and help the dressing spread evenly.

Make sure the broccoli stays raw. The crisp bite gives the salad a fresh feel.

Step 3 | Chop the Celery

Trim the ends and remove the thin threads from the back of each stalk. Slice the celery into small, even pieces. Small cuts keep the salad light and easy to eat.

Step 4 | Mix the Dressing

Place the mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, dried basil, parmesan cheese, vinegar, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth. Add a spoon of milk to thin the mix. Stir again.

Add a second spoon only when needed. The dressing should spread easily but still feel creamy.

Step 5 | Build the Salad

Place the cooked pasta, chopped broccoli, and celery in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the top. Use a spatula to toss everything gently.

Keep folding until all pieces look coated. Taste a bite to check flavor and texture.

Step 6 | Chill Before Serving

Place the bowl in the fridge for a short time. Cooling helps the flavors blend. The pasta will soak up some dressing, making the salad smooth and rich.

Chef Notes and Tips

• Pasta Shape Matters – Use pasta with ridges or curves so the dressing sticks better. Skip long noodles because they don’t mix well with the veggies.
• Do Not Overcook the Pasta – Keep it firm. If you plan to store the salad overnight, cook the pasta one minute less. It softens as it sits.
• Add Protein for a Full Meal – Mix in shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, or diced ham to turn this into a main dish. Add the protein after the salad is fully coated in dressing.
• Let It Rest – The salad tastes better after chilling. The flavors come together, and the texture gets smoother. Make it a few hours before serving.
• Customize the Crunch – Add sunflower seeds, slivered almonds, or chopped walnuts right before serving. They keep their crispness and boost texture.

What to Serve With This Broccoli Pasta Salad

This salad pairs well with so many dishes. I love serving it next to grilled chicken or fish. The cool, creamy pasta balances hot, smoky meats perfectly.

You can also set it out at summer cookouts with burgers and hot dogs. The crunch from the broccoli adds texture when you eat softer foods like pulled pork or baked beans.

For lighter meals, I serve this salad with a simple green salad and some crusty bread. The pasta salad feels hearty enough to satisfy, but the fresh veggies keep things from feeling too heavy.

Soup and this salad make a great combo too. Try it with tomato soup or chicken noodle soup on cooler days.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

You can make this salad a full day before you need it. Store it covered in the refrigerator. The flavors get even better overnight. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

I do not suggest freezing this salad. The creamy dressing and raw vegetables will not keep their texture well after freezing and thawing.

California Chicken Cafe Broccoli Pasta Salad FAQs

1. My dressing is too thick after chilling. What should I do?

This is normal. The pasta and vegetables soak up some moisture. Simply stir in one extra tablespoon of milk or a little more mayonnaise. Mix it well before you serve. This will bring the creamy texture right back.

2. Can I add other vegetables to this pasta salad?

Yes, you can. Diced red onion or shredded carrot are good choices. Keep any extra vegetables raw and chopped small so they blend in. Do not add watery vegetables like tomatoes, as they can make the salad soggy.

3. How do I keep the broccoli from tasting too raw?

Chopping it into very small pieces is the best way. Small bites are easier to eat and blend with the pasta. The creamy dressing also softens the broccoli slightly as the salad chills, making it perfect.

4. Is the broccoli supposed to be raw?

Absolutely – raw broccoli is what makes this salad special. It stays bright green and super crunchy. Cooked broccoli would make it soft and totally different.

5. My dressing is too thick – what do I do?

Just stir in another tablespoon of milk or even a tiny splash of water. Keep adding little by little until it pours easily over the pasta.

This California Chicken Cafe Broccoli Pasta Salad Recipe blends fresh ingredients with a creamy dressing that tastes richer than most pasta salads.

Trying this at home lets you adjust flavors your way while keeping that wonderful balance of crunch and creaminess.

I hope you prepare this dish and tell me how it turned out for you.