Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Recipe
The copycat chicken salad chick broccoli salad recipe is so delicious you have got to try making it for yourself! This recipe requires just a few ingredients, and it’s a perfect side dish to enjoy with any meal. If you are looking for the perfect potluck, cookout, or just plain side dish this recipe is the one for you. Check out the details below and how you can easily make this delicious broccoli salad.
Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad
Making a copycat version of chicken salad chicks broccoli salad is very easy to do and you are rewarded with a delicious salad. Broccoli salad is amazing for any occasion, and perfect to enjoy any time of year. This copycat broccoli salad recipe is especially great if you are looking for a healthy side dish that is different from your normal lettuce salad.
Broccoli Salad
Delicious broccoli salad is traditionally a mixture of crunchy broccoli florets with shredded mozzarella cheese or shredded cheddar cheese, Craisins or raisins to provide a bit of sweetness, sunflower seeds, and bacon bits.
This mixture is topped off with a delicious dressing and served cold. Broccoli salad is a great dish to make ahead of time and serve whenever you are ready. It is also a perfect dish to take to a potluck, or simply to enjoy as a side dish with your dinner.
What Makes This Recipe Work?
This recipe works so well because it is a mixture of healthy foods, has a crunchy texture, and amazing flavors all blended into one delicious salad. We have made this before for our friends and family who don’t typically even enjoy vegetables or salad, and they have really liked this dish.
The BEST Broccoli Salad Recipe
This copycat chicken salad chick broccoli salad recipe is similar yet different from your average broccoli salad recipe. We believe that the differences are what makes it the best broccoli salad.
Why this Recipe is Best
Of course, it is a matter of personal taste and preferences, but we believe that this recipe is one of the best broccoli salad recipes out there. We believe it is the best because the ingredients are so delicious, crispy, crunchy, and you can adapt them to fit your specific taste.
The dressing on the salad is also unique in that it is a combination of sweet and tangy flavors that just work so well together.
Broccoli Salad (Like Chicken Salad Chick)
The chicken salad chick broccoli salad recipe is unique and it’s not loaded down with a ton of dressing. Instead, it is a light vinegar flavor tangy dressing that tops the salad well.
We are now going to look at how you can go about preparing to make this copycat of chicken salad chick broccoli salad, including what kitchen utensils you will need, ingredients that we recommend including, as well as an overview of how to make the ideal side dish.
Preparing your Chicken for Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Recipe
What You will Need | Kitchen Gadget
Mixing bowl
Strainer or colander
Cutting board
Knife
Spoon
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Ingredients For Broccoli Salad (Like Chicken Salad Chick)
Below is a list of our recommended ingredients to include in the copycat recipe for chicken salad chick’s broccoli salad. Please note that you may include other ingredients if desired or leave out ingredients that you may not care for.
What you will need
Fresh Broccoli Florets. We recommend using fresh broccoli florets for your broccoli salad. The easiest way to do this is to buy two bunches of broccoli and then remove the florets from the bunches. Typically, we use one and a half to two pounds of a head of broccoli and then separate the raw broccoli florets from the head of broccoli.
Shredded Cheese. You can really use any type of shredded cheese you prefer. We recommend using freshly grated cheddar cheese, but mozzarella cheese is another great option. Really any kind of shredded cheese will work for this recipe.
Dried Cranberries or Raisins. Traditionally dried cranberries are included in broccoli salad. However, if you don’t have them, or prefer sweet raisins instead, raisins can easily be substituted.
Sunflower Seeds. Our favorite type of sunflower seeds to use is salted and dried sunflower kernels, however, any type of sunflower seeds will work. They help to give you a hint of crunch and saltiness. If you can’t find sunflower seeds, you could try and substitute them for peanuts.
Bacon. Using cooked bacon in broccoli salad adds a delicious flavor and crunch to your salad. You can use any type of bacon that has been cut or crushed into small pieces. A cup of bacon bits work well if you want to not have as much meal prep, or you can choose to cook your own bacon and cut it into bite-size pieces.
Red Onion. Red onion is an optional ingredient that many choose to include in their broccoli salad. Using red onion adds a bit of flavor and heat. You may also substitute the red onion for a white or yellow onion if desired. You may also choose to leave the onion out entirely as well.
Mayonnaise. Creamy mayonnaise is an essential ingredient in your dressing. Using mayonnaise works as the base of your dressing. We recommend using mayonnaise instead of another similar substitute.
Sugar. Typically, we recommend using a little bit of granulated sugar in your dressing to help sweeten it up. If you wish to substitute the granulated sugar for something else, you may also use Stevia or honey instead.
Balsamic Vinegar. Balsamic vinegar is used to help thin the dressing for your broccoli salad, and provide the unique flavor in this salad recipe. The balsamic vinegar is what makes this specific broccoli salad recipe so unique and absolutely delicious. If desired, you may substitute balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar, or white vinegar.
How To Make Broccoli Salad (Like Chicken Salad Chick)
To begin making your salad, you will want to start off by cutting your crisp broccoli florets off the medium head of broccoli and then cutting them small, into bite-size pieces. Take a chopping board and carefully seperate the chrisp broccoli florets from the head of broccoli. After they are cut, place them into a colander and rinse them thoroughly. Allow them to dry.
Next, if your bacon is raw, you’ll want to cook it thoroughly and then cut it into small pieces. You will also want to grate your cheese if you did not buy pre-shredded cheese. Then remove the peeling from your red onion and chop it up.
In a mixing bowl combine your broccoli florets with cooked and crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, sunflower seeds, red onions, and dried cranberries.
To make the creamy dressing, in a separate small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise with sugar and vinegar. Stir to combine.
Add your dressing mixture into your broccoli mixture and stir until your broccoli is thoroughly coated. Cover and chill until you’re ready to serve. Then, serve and enjoy.
Cook’s Note:
If desired, you can top your broccoli salad with fresh sunflower seeds, bacon bits, and shredded cheese right before serving.
We have found that the salad actually is better if it is prepared a few hours in advance so that the dressing has time to melt with your salad ingredients. This is completely optional, however, making your salad in advance and chilling until you are ready to serve will not hurt the salad.
Storing Your Salad
Fridge. For the best storage method, we recommend storing your prepared broccoli salad in the refrigerator after it has been transferred to an airtight container. Your broccoli salad may last up to three days when covered and stored in the refrigerator.
Room Temperature. Because of the salad mayonnaise content as well as cheese and bacon, we recommend allowing it to sit at room temperature for no more than two hours. Please note that this time may even decrease depending upon the temperature of your location. It is best if the broccoli salad is stored in the fridge when it is not being served.
Freezer. Broccoli salad should not be frozen for any reason. Broccoli salad will not be good after it has gone through a freezing and thawing process. Please enjoy your broccoli salad while it is fresh or store it in the fridge for a few days to enjoy the leftovers.
What To Serve With Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad
There are all kinds of dishes you can serve with our copycat chicken salad chick’s broccoli salad recipe. Broccoli salad is great for any time of the year, and can really be served alongside any dish. Typically, broccoli salad is enjoyed as a side dish although it can also be enjoyed as an appetizer if desired.
Some great examples of what to serve with chicken salad chick broccoli salad include pasta such as spaghetti with meatballs or four cheese ziti. Broccoli salad can also be enjoyed alongside beef or chicken Manhattan, beef stew, grilled chicken, or spatchcock chicken, just for a few ideas. Truly, you can feel free to get creative and enjoy broccoli salad alongside any dish. Broccoli salad is especially perfect for your potlucks in cookouts!
Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Recipe Nutrition Facts
We have estimated the nutritional facts for the above recipe, based on the assumption that it contains approximately six servings. Please note that if any of the ingredients are changed or substituted, the following nutritional facts may change as well.
Nutrition Facts
We have estimated that one serving contains approximately 479 cal. We have also estimated that one serving contains approximately 31.2 g total fat, 58 mg cholesterol, 1007 mg sodium, 34.6 g total carbohydrates, and 17.1 g protein.
Is Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Recipe Healthy?
If you are looking for a healthier broccoli salad, we recommend cutting back on your mayonnaise and bacon. These two ingredients are where most of the calories in this broccoli salad come from. A cup bacon bits and a cup mayonnaise taste delicious, but cutting them back a little is a great way to make this salad even more healthy.
A Few Variations
As with any recipe, there are several different recipe variations that you can enjoy for broccoli salad. Some of them are as simple as mixing up what you include, for instance including raisins rather than dried cranberries, or peanuts instead of sunflower seeds. Other variations include adding ingredients such as chicken to broccoli salad. Below are some good options to consider and how you can go about doing this.
Other Ingredients to Consider:
Red Pepper Flakes. If you like a little bit of a kick to your broccoli salad, then you might enjoy adding a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to your mixture of broccoli florets to give it a little bit of spice.
Hard-Boiled Eggs. Adding hard boiled eggs to this copycat chicken salad chick recipe is another good option that you might enjoy.
Sour Cream. Mixing a bit of sour cream with your mayonnayse mixture is another popular choice a wa way to mix things up with this salad recipe.
Parmesan Cheese. Adding a little bit of grated or freshly shredded parmesan cheese in addtion or as a substitute to your shredded cheese is another way you can enjoy this tasty salad.
Chicken Broccoli Salad
Chicken broccoli salad is very similar to the above recipe, only instead of it being a side dish, it can then become your main course if desired. All you have to do is simply add chicken breast meat to your broccoli salad recipe. You may choose to add white meat, or dark meat to your salad, whatever you prefer. Both are an excellent choice!
Make sure to use a meat thermometer to determine when the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees so that it is fully cooked. Then allow it to rest or chill before adding it to the copycat version of this classic dish.
Chicken Broccoli Salad Recipe
To make a chicken broccoli salad, you can simply add pieces of cooked, grilled, or boiled chicken to the above recipe for broccoli salad. This makes an easy change to the salad above and allows it to become a main dish rather than a side dish.
Preparing the Chicken
There are many ways you can prepare chicken to go in your chicken broccoli salad. These different ways include grilling your chicken, frying your chicken on the stovetop, baking your chicken, or even boiling your chicken. No matter how you choose to repair the chicken, be sure to check that the internal temperature of your chicken has reached at least 165°F so that your chicken is fully cooked.
There are also different types of chicken you can include in your broccoli salad. You can choose to include breaded, crispy chicken, or chicken that has been grilled. The type of chicken you decide to include can determine the overall outcome of your chicken broccoli salad.
Broccoli Chicken Salad Recipe: How To Make It
Making your broccoli chicken salad is very similar to the above recipe. You will simply prepare your broccoli salad as instructed above, then choose what type of chicken, and how you want to cook your chicken.
Cook your chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before adding it to your broccoli salad.
Once it is added stir it in and serve. You can also serve your broccoli salad with your chicken added on top and not mixed in. Then all that’s left is to simply serve and enjoy your chicken broccoli salad recipe.
Pro Tips for the BEST Broccoli Salad
Tip #1
To make the best broccoli salad, thoroughly mix your broccoli salad in a large bowl, once you have added the dressing. It is very important that all of your broccoli salad be coated in the dressing. This is a great way to be sure it turns out delicious every time.
Tip #2
Chill your broccoli salad before serving.
Tip #3
Allow your broccoli salad to sit in your refrigerator after it has been completely assembled for a minimum of two hours, or overnight. We have found that allowing your broccoli salad to rest after it has been mixed allows the dressing to soak into your salad and gives it an overall better taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you eat with broccoli salad?
Broccoli salad goes well with anything. Simply pair it with a main dish such as pasta, beef, chicken, or seafood. Broccoli salad is great for potlucks, or cookouts, it will go well with pretty much anything.
How do you cut broccoli for broccoli salad?
The best way to cut broccoli for broccoli salad is to cut them into florets and then discard the stems. You can either cut or break the floret at the stem so that they are smaller, more bite-sized pieces.
How long is broccoli salad good for in the fridge?
We recommend keeping your broccoli salad in the fridge for no more than three days. After that time has passed, it’s time to part with any leftovers.
Can you make this salad without bacon?
Absolutely! Bacon is not required in broccoli salad, however, it does add a nice crunch and flavor, but your broccoli salad can easily be made without the bacon.
Is broccoli salad healthy?
Broccoli in and of itself is very healthy, however, once mayonnaise and bacon are added to broccoli salad, it tends to be a bit less healthy. If you would like a healthier version of broccoli salad, feel free to cut back on the mayonnaise or use 1/3 less fat mayonnaise, and back off on the bacon.
Should you use blanched florets?
Although you can use blanched florets for this recipe, if you prefer, using raw broccoli florets is also just fine. Make sure to throughly rinse the raw broccoli before adding it to your salad.
Easy Fresh Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad is the perfect easy side dish that is loaded with fresh goodies and is delicious. Not only does broccoli salad taste amazing, but it is so easy to make, and it is very appealing to the eye as well.
Broccoli Salad Like Chicken Salad Chick
Making a copycat version of the chicken salad chick broccoli salad recipe is surprisingly easy to do from scratch. No matter if you are a fan of chicken salad chick, or are simply looking for a great side dish, you can easily make this salad ahead of time and for any occasion. This broccoli salad is great to enjoy any time of year, and most everyone will enjoy the broccoli salad.
Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Recipes
Homemade chicken salad chick broccoli salad is surprisingly easy to make, and perfect for any meal. There are just a few ingredients needed to make this delicious salad, and it can be made ahead of time and tastes amazing.
This is a delicious side dish that you need to try, so you understand for yourself how tasty this recipe really is. Give it a try today, and let us know what you think about it!
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Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Recipe
Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Salad:
- 2 bunches broccoli florets
- 8 strips bacon cooked and crumbled (about 1/3 cup or up to 1 cup if you want)
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- 1 medium red onion diced
Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar white vinegar, or apple cider vinegar will also work as a substitutes
Instructions
- Remove the broccoli florets from your bunches and break or cut them into bite-size pieces. Placed into a colander and rinse thoroughly. Set aside and allow to dry. Remove the peel from your red onion and dice.
- If you are using raw bacon, be sure to thoroughly cook your bacon and then allow the grease to drain. Cut into small pieces.
- In a mixing bowl combine broccoli florets, cooked and crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and your diced red onion.
- Take a small mixing bowl, and make your dressing by combining mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar. Stir until combined.
- Next, pour your dressing mixture into your broccoli mixture and stir until all of your broccoli mixture is coated in dressing. Cover your bowl and chill. Chill until you are ready to serve, then serve cold and enjoy.
I made this recipe and, even though I was out of sunflower seeds, it tastes amazing. It is so close to Chicken Salad Chick’s broccoli salad, I couldn’t tell any difference. Delicious. Will make again.
Glad you enjoyed it Lisa. Thanks for letting us know.
Thank you for the recipe. The broccoli salad turned out great! I was a little worried when I saw how thick the dressing was, but once mixed in it was perfect.