If you’re looking for a flavorful and satisfying salad recipe, look no further than broccoli cheddar chicken salad. This dish combines the creamy goodness of cheddar cheese with the crunch of fresh broccoli and the protein-packed goodness of chicken. It’s a great option for lunch or dinner, and it’s easy to make ahead of time for a quick and healthy meal on the go.
To make broccoli cheddar chicken salad, you’ll need to start by finely chopping the broccoli and cutting the chicken into small pieces. Then, mix together the broccoli, chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and ranch dressing in a large bowl until everything is evenly coated. This recipe is versatile and can be customized to your liking, so feel free to add in other ingredients like bacon bits or grapes for an extra burst of flavor. Once everything is mixed together, simply chill the salad in the fridge for a few minutes before serving.
Overview of Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Salad
If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal that’s both delicious and healthy, broccoli cheddar chicken salad is an excellent choice. This dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy your hunger and your taste buds.
Broccoli cheddar chicken salad is a popular side dish that can also be served as a main course. It is a classic American cuisine that has been enjoyed by many for years. The dish is made up of cooked chicken, broccoli, and cheddar cheese, all mixed together with a creamy dressing.
One of the great things about broccoli cheddar chicken salad is that it is quick and easy to make. You can have a delicious meal ready in just a few minutes. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken or broccoli.
Chicken Salad Chick is a popular restaurant chain that serves a variety of chicken salad dishes, including broccoli salad and broccoli cheddar chicken salad. These dishes are perfect for those who are looking for a healthy and tasty meal that’s easy to prepare.
Overall, broccoli cheddar chicken salad is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course. It’s a great way to add some variety to your meals, and it’s perfect for those who are looking for a quick and easy meal that’s both healthy and delicious.
Ingredients Required
To make a delicious broccoli cheddar chicken salad, you will need the following ingredients:
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Cooked chicken breast
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped red onion
- Bacon bits or bacon strips
- Dressing (mayonnaise, milk, sugar, salt, pepper, olive oil)
- Sunflower seeds (optional)
- Parmesan (optional)
- Diced hard boiled egg (optional)
- Small shaped cooked pasta like mini shells or orecchiette (optional)
For the chicken, you can use either white meat or dark meat, depending on your preference. Cook the chicken breasts until they are no longer pink inside, and shred them into bite-sized pieces.
For the broccoli, use fresh broccoli florets and trim them into small, bite-sized pieces, around an inch each. You can also add some chopped red onion for extra flavor.
For the dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, sugar, salt, pepper, and olive oil until smooth. You can also add some herbs like sage for extra flavor.
To assemble the salad, mix together the broccoli, chicken, cheddar cheese, red onion, bacon bits or strips, and dressing until everything is well coated. You can also add some sunflower seeds or Parmesan for extra crunch and flavor.
If you want to add some carbs to the salad, you can also mix in some small shaped cooked pasta like mini shells or orecchiette. And if you want to make the salad more filling, you can also add some diced hard boiled egg.
Overall, this broccoli cheddar chicken salad is a delicious and nutritious meal that is perfect for any occasion.
Nutritional Information
If you’re watching your calorie intake, you’ll be happy to know that this Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Salad recipe is a healthy option. One serving of this salad contains around 262 calories, making it a great choice for a light lunch or dinner.
In addition to being low in calories, this salad is also a good source of protein, fiber, iron, and vitamin C. The chicken provides a healthy dose of protein, while the broccoli and other vegetables add fiber and other essential nutrients.
However, it’s important to note that this recipe is also high in sodium and cholesterol. If you’re on a low-sodium or low-cholesterol diet, you may want to consider reducing the amount of salt and cheese in the recipe.
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving of this Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Salad:
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 262 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 52mg |
| Sodium | 613mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 12g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Total Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 18g |
| Vitamin D | 0mcg |
| Calcium | 194mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
| Potassium | 473mg |
| Vitamin A | 1050IU |
| Vitamin C | 56mg |
Overall, this Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Salad recipe is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy a light meal. Just be sure to keep an eye on your sodium and cholesterol intake if you’re watching your diet.
Equipment Needed
To make the Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Salad, you will need a few essential pieces of equipment. Having the right equipment on hand will make the process much easier and more efficient. Here are the key items you will need:
Large Bowl
You will need a large bowl to mix all the ingredients together. A bowl that is at least 4 quarts in size should be sufficient. A glass or stainless steel bowl is ideal, as it will not absorb any flavors or odors from the ingredients.
Whisk
A whisk is necessary to blend the dressing ingredients together. You can use a wire whisk or a flat whisk, whichever you prefer. A whisk with a long handle will make it easier to reach the bottom of the bowl.
Airtight Container
Once the salad is made, you will need an airtight container to store it in. A container with a tight-fitting lid will keep the salad fresh for several days. You can use a plastic container or a glass container with a lid.
Having these three items on hand will make the process of making Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Salad much easier. If you don’t have a large bowl or whisk, you can use a mixing bowl and a fork instead. Just make sure the bowl is big enough to hold all the ingredients and the fork can blend the dressing ingredients together.
Preparation Instructions
To make this delicious Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Salad recipe, you will need to follow a few simple steps. Here are the instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place 3 cups of broccoli florets on the prepared baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and lightly browned.
- While the broccoli is roasting, cook 2 chicken breasts in a skillet over medium-high heat until they are cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Let the chicken cool before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sour cream, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the roasted broccoli and chopped chicken to the bowl with the dressing and toss to coat.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of chopped red onion.
- Cover the bowl and let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Salad chilled, garnished with additional shredded cheese and chopped green onions if desired.
By following these simple instructions, you can make a tasty and satisfying Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Salad that is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you have made your delicious Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Salad, it’s time to think about how to serve it. Here are some serving suggestions to help you enjoy your salad even more:
What to Serve With
Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Salad can be served as a main dish or a side dish. If you’re serving it as a main dish, you can pair it with some crusty bread or crackers. If you’re serving it as a side dish, it goes well with grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
Servings
This recipe makes about 4 servings. If you’re serving it as a main dish, you can increase the serving size to 6 by adding more chicken and broccoli.
Toppings
To add some extra flavor and texture to your salad, you can add toppings such as dried cranberries, chopped nuts, or cherry tomatoes. These toppings will add a bit of sweetness and crunch to your salad.
Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, give the salad a quick stir to redistribute the dressing and toppings.
Overall, Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side dish, adding toppings or pairing it with other foods, this salad is sure to be a hit.
Storing and Reheating
If you have any leftovers from your Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Salad, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is important to note that the longer the salad sits, the soggier it will become. Therefore, it is best to consume the salad as soon as possible or within the first day or two.
If you plan on freezing the salad, it is best to omit the broccoli and cheese as they do not freeze well. You can freeze the cooked chicken and other salad ingredients separately and assemble the salad when you are ready to serve it. Frozen chicken can be stored for up to 6 months in the freezer.
When reheating the salad, it is important to do so gently to prevent the chicken from drying out. You can reheat the salad in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the microwave, cover the container with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until the desired temperature is reached. If using the stovetop, heat the salad in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Remember to always use safe food handling practices when storing and reheating your Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Salad.
Additional Tips and Variations
If you want to add some tanginess to your broccoli cheddar chicken salad, consider adding some apple cider vinegar to the dressing. This will give your salad a fresh and tangy flavor that complements the creaminess of the dressing.
For a barbecue twist, try grilling your chicken thighs before adding them to the salad. The smoky flavor of the grilled chicken will add a new dimension of flavor to the salad.
If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic in the dressing. Roasted garlic has a sweeter and milder flavor than raw garlic.
If you want to add some extra texture to your salad, consider adding some chopped nuts or seeds. Sunflower seeds or chopped almonds are a great option.
For a different flavor profile, try using ranch dressing instead of the creamy cheddar dressing. The tanginess of the ranch dressing pairs well with the fresh broccoli and grilled chicken.
If you want to make your salad extra indulgent, consider adding a scoop of ice cream on top. This may sound unconventional, but the creaminess of the ice cream pairs surprisingly well with the tangy and savory flavors of the salad.
Finally, if you want to switch up the cheese, try using a different type of sharp cheddar cheese or even a different type of cheese altogether. Blue cheese or feta cheese would add a tangy and salty flavor to the salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some healthy ingredients to add to a broccoli chicken salad?
Broccoli chicken salad is already a healthy dish, but you can add some additional nutritious ingredients to make it even healthier. Some healthy ingredients you can add are sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, diced avocado, and fresh berries. These ingredients add healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants to your salad.
How can I make a crispy chicken and broccoli salad?
To make a crispy chicken and broccoli salad, you can bake or grill your chicken instead of sautéing it. This will give your chicken a crispy exterior while keeping it moist on the inside. You can also add some crispy bacon bits, croutons, or fried onions for extra crunch.
What are some variations of an Asian chicken broccoli salad?
An Asian chicken broccoli salad can have many variations. You can add some sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to your dressing for an Asian twist. You can also add some mandarin oranges, sliced water chestnuts, and crunchy chow mein noodles for some added texture and flavor.
What are some tasty additions to a chicken salad with broccoli and grapes?
A chicken salad with broccoli and grapes is already a delicious combination, but you can add some extra ingredients to make it even tastier. Some tasty additions include diced apples, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese. These ingredients add sweetness, crunch, and tanginess to your salad.
How can I make a creamy chicken broccoli salad without adding too much fat?
To make a creamy chicken broccoli salad without adding too much fat, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Greek yogurt has a similar texture to mayonnaise but is much lower in fat. You can also add some Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and honey to your dressing for some extra flavor.
What are some tips for preventing a chicken salad from becoming watery or dry?
To prevent a chicken salad from becoming watery, make sure to pat your chicken dry before cooking it. You can also drain any excess liquid from your broccoli before adding it to your salad. To prevent your salad from becoming dry, make sure to add enough dressing and mix it well. You can also add some extra ingredients like diced tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers to add some moisture to your salad.
