Introduction
This Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Recipe is really simple to make at home! It’s a fast and easy side dish you can prepare quickly. This version of the Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad is perfect if you’re in a hurry. It pairs wonderfully with chicken salads like the Sassy Scotty or Cranberry Kelli from Chicken Salad Chick. It’s also great for potlucks or BBQs. You don’t need any fancy ingredients, and it’s quick to put together. Plus, you can make this broccoli salad ahead of time if you need to.
Overview of Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Recipe
Chicken Salad Chick is renowned for its variety of chicken salads, but its broccoli salad is another star on the menu. This salad combines fresh ingredients to create a dish that is both satisfying and nutritious. It’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or as a standalone meal.
Reasons to Make This Salad
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and fiber from broccoli, protein from bacon, and healthy fats from sunflower seeds.
- Versatile: Easily customizable to fit dietary needs, including gluten-free, low-carb, keto, and vegan options.
- Quick and Easy: Can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Delicious: The combination of flavors and textures makes this salad irresistible.
Ingredients
Simple Ingredients for Broccoli Salad
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Crispy cooked bacon
- Red onion
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sunflower seeds
- Mayonnaise
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sugar
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Broccoli: Use fresh broccoli for the best crunch and flavor. Frozen broccoli can be used but will alter the texture.
- Bacon: Turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon can be substituted for a healthier or vegetarian version.
- Cheddar Cheese: Can be swapped with any cheese of choice, such as feta or mozzarella.
- Sunflower Seeds: Can be replaced with chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for a different crunch.
- Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative.
Equipment Needed
Essential Tools for Preparation
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Skillet for cooking bacon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
How to Make Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Blanch the Broccoli: Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Add broccoli and cook for 2 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking.
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, then crumble into pieces.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine blanched broccoli, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, and sunflower seeds.
- Add Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
How to Blanch Broccoli
Blanching broccoli is a simple technique that ensures it remains bright green and crisp-tender. Here’s how to do it:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2 minutes.
- Quickly transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Drain and pat dry before using in the salad.
Easiest Way to Cook Bacon
For perfectly crispy bacon every time:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Arrange bacon slices in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon, until crispy.
- Remove from the oven and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
Tips & Tricks
Fresh Tips for Best Results
- Dry Broccoli: Ensure the broccoli is completely dry before adding to the salad to prevent it from becoming watery.
- Chill Time: Allow the salad to chill for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together.
- Uniform Cutting: Cut all ingredients into similar-sized pieces for even distribution and presentation.
Bacon Perfection
- Oven-Baked Bacon: Baking bacon is less messy and ensures even cooking.
- Bacon Crumbles: Crumble bacon into small pieces for a consistent bite throughout the salad.
Variations
Gluten-Free Broccoli Salad
To make this salad gluten-free, ensure all ingredients, especially the bacon and cheese, are certified gluten-free.
Low-Carb Keto Broccoli Salad
Substitute sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like stevia or erythritol. Use full-fat mayonnaise and cheese to keep it keto-friendly.
Can I Make it Vegan?
Yes, you can! Use vegan mayonnaise and replace bacon with a vegan alternative. You can also add extra sunflower seeds or nuts for additional protein.
Dairy-Free Broccoli Salad
Use dairy-free cheese or omit it altogether. Ensure the mayonnaise is dairy-free.
Make Ahead Instructions
Preparation Tips for Busy Schedules
- Prep Ingredients: Blanch broccoli, cook bacon, and prepare the dressing up to 2 days in advance.
- Assemble Later: Store components separately in the fridge and combine them just before serving.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become slightly watery over time, but giving it a good stir before serving will help.
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Breakdown of the Salad
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 5g |
Additional Info
FAQs and Common Questions
Chicken Salad Chick chicken salad is typically made of chicken breast, mayonnaise, celery, and seasonings. Specific recipes may vary depending on the flavor.
Chicken Salad Chick uses mayonnaise in their chicken salad recipes.
A serving of Chicken Salad Chick broccoli salad contains approximately 190 calories. This can vary based on portion size and specific ingredients.
Chicken salad can be healthy if it includes lean chicken, vegetables, and a moderate amount of dressing. However, it can be high in calories and fat if it contains a lot of mayonnaise or other high-calorie ingredients.
Yes, you can eat a salad every day. It can be a healthy habit if your salad includes a variety of vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Be mindful of the dressing and avoid high-calorie add-ons.
Eating chicken and broccoli every day can be healthy as they are nutritious foods. Chicken provides lean protein, and broccoli is rich in vitamins and fiber. However, it's important to have a varied diet to ensure you get a range of nutrients.
Conclusion
The Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad recipe is a perfect blend of fresh, crunchy, and savory elements. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal option, a side dish for a gathering, or just a delicious salad to enjoy at home, this recipe has you covered. With easy substitutions and variations, it’s adaptable to various dietary needs. Try making this salad today and enjoy its delightful flavors and textures.