Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Recipe: How To Make It

Have you ever tasted a broccoli salad that’s so good, it feels like a guilty pleasure? What if you could enjoy a healthy, delicious salad that’s satisfying and easy to make? Enter the Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Recipe—a fan favorite that combines fresh, crunchy broccoli with savory ingredients, making it the perfect side dish or even a light meal. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, this broccoli salad is a must-try!

In this article, we’ll guide you through creating this simple yet flavorful recipe, so you can bring a taste of the famous Chicken Salad Chick restaurant into your kitchen. You’ll learn the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to make your broccoli salad just like the one you love from the restaurant. By the end, you’ll have a new go-to dish that’s sure to impress at your next gathering—or just make your weeknight dinners a little more exciting.

What Makes the Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Recipe So Special?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes this broccoli salad so irresistible. The dish is a fantastic balance of textures and flavors—crispy broccoli, tangy dressing, and savory bacon bits. The sweetness of raisins and the crunch of sunflower seeds round out the salad perfectly, giving you a refreshing and satisfying bite with every forkful. It’s a unique twist on the typical broccoli salad, which is why it’s become such a hit.

One of the great things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can enjoy it as a side dish, a light lunch, or even as a healthy snack throughout the day. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making it a great option for busy nights when you need something delicious in a hurry.

“Broccoli is not only delicious but also a nutritional powerhouse—it’s rich in vitamins C and K, making it a healthy choice for any meal.” Benefits of broccoli.

Ingredients for the Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to recreate the famous broccoli salad at home:

4 cups of fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium-sized heads of broccoli)
1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese (you can use mild or medium if you prefer a less intense flavor)
1/2 cup of cooked bacon, crumbled (you can use pre-cooked bacon or cook your own)
1/2 cup of sunflower seeds (these add a lovely crunch)
1/2 cup of raisins (for a touch of sweetness)
1/2 cup of red onion, finely chopped (optional, but adds a nice bite)
1 cup of mayonnaise (you can use Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (provides a tangy kick)
1 tablespoon of sugar (to balance out the tanginess)
Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for the Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Recipe

How to Make Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Recipe

Prepare the broccoli by rinsing it and cutting it into bite-sized florets. If you prefer a softer texture, you can blanch the broccoli in boiling water for about 1-2 minutes and then quickly rinse with cold water. However, fresh, raw broccoli offers the best crunch for this salad.
Cook the bacon: If you’re using raw bacon, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. If you’re using pre-cooked bacon, simply crumble it into small bits.
Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust the seasoning as needed—some people prefer a little more vinegar for a tangier kick, while others may add extra sugar for sweetness.
Mix the ingredients: Add the broccoli florets to the dressing, stirring to coat evenly. Then, toss in the crumbled bacon, sunflower seeds, raisins, and shredded cheese. Add the finely chopped red onion if you’re using it.
Chill and serve: For the best flavor, let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. You can also make it a day ahead for even more flavor development!

Pro Tips for Perfect Broccoli Salad

The texture is key: Make sure your broccoli is cut into uniform pieces. Too large and it’s hard to eat; too small and it might get soggy.
Adjust sweetness: The raisins provide some natural sweetness, but if you prefer a sweeter salad, you can add a bit more sugar or even substitute honey for a more natural sweetener.
Make it your own: Add a protein like grilled chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken to make this salad a complete meal. If you want to go lighter, swap out mayo for Greek yogurt or use half mayo, and half sour cream.

FAQ chicken salad chick broccoli salad recipe

1. What are the ingredients in Chicken Salad Chick salads?

Chicken Salad Chick’s salads typically include a mix of fresh ingredients like chicken, celery, grapes, pecans, and cranberries. Their signature recipes often incorporate mayonnaise for creaminess, along with seasonings such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Specific variations may also include additional ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, or broccoli, depending on the type of salad.

Chicken Salad Chick official menu descriptions.

2. What dressing do you put in broccoli salad?

A classic broccoli salad dressing is made by mixing mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Some recipes might add Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version. This tangy-sweet combination complements the crunch of raw broccoli and other ingredients like bacon, cheese, raisins, and sunflower seeds.

Popular broccoli salad recipes from trusted cooking websites like Allrecipes and Taste of Home.

3. Does Chicken Salad Chick use mayonnaise?

Yes, Chicken Salad Chick uses mayonnaise as a key ingredient in many of their salads, including their famous chicken salad. The mayonnaise helps create the creamy texture and rich flavor that defines their signature dishes.

Source: Ingredient lists provided by Chicken Salad Chick.

4. How to make simple broccoli salad?

Here’s a quick and easy recipe for broccoli salad:

Ingredients:

4 cups chopped broccoli florets
1/2 cup crumbled bacon
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup raisins
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, bacon, cheese, sunflower seeds, and raisins.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Adapted from widely-shared homemade broccoli salad recipes.

Conclusion

This chicken salad chick broccoli salad recipe is a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish, a healthy lunch option, or a dish that will wow your guests, this recipe delivers. The beauty of this salad lies in its versatility—adjust the ingredients to suit your taste, or make it a full meal by adding protein.

Now it’s your turn—give this recipe a try and share your thoughts! Have any tweaks or personal twists to add? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy a refreshing, satisfying salad that’s sure to impress every time!