Fresh & Zesty Broccoli Salad With Chicken Recipe

Crafting a delightful broccoli salad with chicken promises a refreshing culinary adventure that breaks through ordinary meal routines.

Crisp green florets dance alongside tender, juicy protein pieces in this vibrant dish.

Seasonal ingredients blend harmoniously, creating a nutritious masterpiece for health-conscious individuals.

Protein-packed and bursting with flavor, this recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Chopped herbs and a zesty dressing elevate the entire composition into something truly special.

Every bite delivers a delightful combination of freshness and satisfaction.

You’ll want to savor each mouthful and share this incredible creation with those closest to you.

Why The Best Broccoli Salad With Chicken Is A Total Hit

• Boost Protein Power: Packed with tender roasted chicken, this salad delivers a substantial protein punch perfect for muscle recovery and sustained energy throughout the day.
• Master Simple Cooking: Requires basic kitchen skills with straightforward roasting and chopping techniques, making it an ideal recipe for home cooks seeking to build culinary confidence.
• Nutrient-Dense Delight: Loaded with fresh broccoli, carrots, and tomatoes, this salad provides a colorful mix of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health and wellness.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping ingredients or adjusting dressing to match personal taste preferences, making it adaptable for different dietary needs and flavor profiles.

Everything In The Best Broccoli Salad With Chicken

• Chicken Breast: A lean and tender protein that adds substance and flavor to the salad.
• Bacon Bits: Crispy pieces that provide a smoky and salty accent to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and creamy cheese that enhances the overall taste profile.

• Broccoli Florets: A crunchy green vegetable packed with nutrients and texture.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy bite-sized tomatoes that add freshness to the salad.
• Red Onion: A sharp and tangy vegetable that provides a zesty flavor.
• Carrots: A sweet and crisp vegetable that adds color and nutritional value.

• Mayonnaise, Greek Yogurt: Creamy base ingredients that create a rich and smooth dressing.
• Apple Cider Vinegar, Honey, Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that balance and enhance the dressing's flavor.
• Sunflower Seeds: Toasted seeds that provide a nutty crunch and additional texture.

Easy Instructions For The Best Broccoli Salad With Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Warm up your oven to a toasty 375°F. Generously season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, spreading the seasoning evenly across the surface.

Step 2: Roast and Dice Chicken

Slide the chicken into the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Let the chicken cool down, then slice it into delectable bite-sized chunks.

Step 3: Chop Fresh Vegetables

Break down broccoli florets into small, uniform pieces. Slice cherry tomatoes in half to release their juicy goodness. Finely dice red onion and shred carrots using a grater for added texture.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

In a mixing bowl, blend mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and perfectly combined.

Step 5: Toast Nutty Seeds

Heat a dry skillet over medium flame. Sprinkle sunflower seeds and toast for 3-4 minutes until they turn golden and release a delightful fragrant aroma.

Step 6: Combine Salad Ingredients

• Diced chicken
• Chopped broccoli
• Halved tomatoes
• Diced red onion
• Shredded carrots

Step 7: Dress and Mix

Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the salad. Gently toss to ensure every ingredient gets a perfect coating of flavor.

Step 8: Add Finishing Touches

• Crispy bacon bits
• Toasted sunflower seeds
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Step 9: Chill and Serve

Pop the salad in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle and create a refreshing, delightful dish. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Helpful Ideas For The Best Broccoli Salad With Chicken

• Master Chicken Roasting: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F without overcooking, guaranteeing juicy, tender meat every time.
• Enhance Dressing Flavor: Let dressing sit for 5-10 minutes before mixing to allow ingredients to blend and develop a richer, more complex taste profile.
• Prevent Soggy Salad: Add crunchy elements like sunflower seeds and bacon bits just before serving to maintain their crisp texture and prevent moisture absorption.
• Meal Prep Hack: Prepare components separately and store in airtight containers, combining just before eating to keep salad fresh and crisp for up to 3 days.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives and omit cheese for a vegan version, using plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken.

Fresh Takes On The Best Broccoli Salad With Chicken

• Mediterranean Broccoli Chicken Salad: Replace mayonnaise with tzatziki, add cucumber, feta cheese, and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Broccoli Chicken Salad: Mix in chipotle peppers, black beans, corn, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese with a cilantro-lime dressing.
• Asian-Inspired Broccoli Chicken Salad: Use sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce in dressing, add mandarin oranges, edamame, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds.
• Herb Garden Broccoli Chicken Salad: Incorporate fresh dill, chives, and parsley into dressing, mix in roasted artichoke hearts and use goat cheese instead of cheddar.

Pairing Tips For The Best Broccoli Salad With Chicken

• Elevate Protein Power: Pair this broccoli chicken salad with a crisp, hoppy India Pale Ale (IPA) that cuts through the creamy dressing and complements the savory chicken.
• Balance Freshness Boost: Select a light, unoaked Sauvignon Blanc with herbal notes that enhance the broccoli's green flavor and match the salad's bright vinaigrette.
• Texture Contrast Magic: Add crispy breadsticks or garlic crostini on the side to provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts the salad's smooth, creamy texture.
• Cooling Companion: Serve a chilled cucumber-mint water or sparkling water with lemon to refresh the palate and counterbalance the rich bacon and cheese elements.

How To Store The Best Broccoli Salad With Chicken

• Transfer leftover broccoli chicken salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping ingredients crisp and fresh.
• Keep dressing separate from salad ingredients until serving to prevent soggy vegetables and maintain optimal texture and crunch.
• Freeze cooked chicken separately in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months, thawing in the refrigerator overnight before using in the salad.
• Chop vegetables and cook chicken in advance, storing components individually in sealed containers to assemble quickly when ready to serve.

Common Questions On Broccoli Salad With Chicken

• Is broccoli salad healthy?

Yes, this recipe is packed with nutrients. Broccoli provides vitamin C, chicken offers lean protein, and sunflower seeds add healthy fats. The dressing uses Greek yogurt for a lighter, nutritious option.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare all ingredients in advance and store them separately. Mix everything just before serving to keep the salad crisp and fresh. It stays good in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

• What are the key flavor components in this salad?

The dressing balances tangy (apple cider vinegar), sweet (honey), and creamy (mayonnaise and Greek yogurt) elements. Bacon bits and toasted sunflower seeds add crunch and depth to the overall taste.

Broccoli Salad With Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy broccoli salad with chicken brings summer picnic vibes to your plate, blending crisp vegetables and tender protein. Crunchy almonds and tangy dressing make this dish a refreshing choice for light meals you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup cooked, diced chicken

Vegetables:

• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup carrots, shredded

Dressing and Extras:

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup bacon bits
• 1/3 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Roast chicken for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, then let cool and dice into bite-sized pieces.
3. Chop broccoli florets into small, uniform pieces and slice cherry tomatoes in half.
4. Finely dice red onion and shred carrots using a grater.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
6. Toast sunflower seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant.
7. In a large salad bowl, combine diced chicken, broccoli, tomatoes, red onion, and carrots.
8. Pour prepared dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure even coating.
9. Sprinkle bacon bits, toasted sunflower seeds, and shredded cheddar cheese on top.
10. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving chilled.

Notes

• Swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt for a vegan version.
• Use smoked tofu instead of chicken to create a plant-based protein option that maintains the salad’s hearty texture.
• Toast sunflower seeds carefully to prevent burning, watching them closely and stirring frequently during the 3-4 minute process.
• Chop broccoli into smaller pieces to ensure better dressing absorption and easier eating experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg