Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad

If you’re looking for a dish that’s fresh, light, and packed with flavor, look no further than this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad. It’s the perfect balance of tender, juicy chicken, crisp broccoli, and a rich, creamy dressing that brings it all together. It’s not just a salad—it’s a flavor-packed meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. The best part? You can make it ahead of time, and it only gets better as it sits! Trust me, this one’s a game-changer.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad

This salad is about so much more than just the ingredients. It’s about creating a dish that’s easy, flavorful, and can fit into any occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Hearty and Filling

With chunks of chicken and crunchy broccoli, this salad is substantial enough to be a meal on its own. You won’t be left feeling hungry an hour later!

Loaded with Flavor

The creamy dressing and fresh veggies make every bite burst with flavor, and the chicken adds a nice savory touch that balances everything out perfectly.

Quick and Easy

Ready in just 30 minutes, this salad comes together so quickly. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a light lunch, and you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen.

Make-Ahead Friendly

It’s one of those recipes that tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together, so it’s great for meal prep or making ahead for a potluck.

Customizable

Want to add a bit more crunch? Throw in some nuts or seeds. Looking for a little extra zing? A squeeze of lemon or a dash of hot sauce does wonders. It’s your salad—make it your own!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy and delicious salad:

Chicken Breasts

The star of the dish! You’ll want tender, juicy chicken breasts, which can be cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces. If you have leftover chicken, this is a perfect recipe to use it up.

Fresh Broccoli

Fresh broccoli adds that perfect crunch and loads of nutrients. You can steam it slightly if you prefer a softer texture, but raw broccoli adds that crisp bite that really makes the salad shine.

Greek Yogurt

For the creamy dressing, Greek yogurt is the base. It’s thick, tangy, and healthier than regular mayo. Plus, it’s a great source of protein.

Mayonnaise

For a little extra creaminess, mayo gives the dressing a smooth texture and a bit of richness.

Dijon Mustard

A splash of Dijon mustard brings some zesty flavor to the dressing, balancing out the richness of the yogurt and mayo.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder

These simple spices give the dressing a savory depth that makes the salad even more addictive.

Salt & Pepper

To taste, of course! These two seasonings are essential to bringing all the flavors together.

Chopped Red Onion (Optional)

A bit of red onion adds a sharp bite and a pop of color. It’s optional, but if you love onions, you’ll love this addition!

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make this creamy, crunchy goodness? Let’s get started:

Cook the Chicken

Start by cooking your chicken breasts. You can grill, bake, or pan-cook them—whatever you prefer! Once cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before chopping them into bite-sized pieces.

Prepare the Broccoli

While the chicken is cooking, chop your broccoli into small florets. You can leave it raw for crunch or steam it for a softer texture—whatever you prefer!

Make the Dressing

In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—this is where you can make it your own by adding more mustard or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zing!

Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together the cooked chicken, broccoli, and any optional ingredients like red onion or other mix-ins. Pour the creamy dressing over the top and toss everything together until well-coated.

Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the dressing meld with the chicken and broccoli. Serve cold, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 220 calories (based on 6 servings)

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):

• Calories: 220
• Total Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 24g
• Vitamin A: 6%
• Calcium: 8%
• Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad

This salad can be served in so many ways, so feel free to get creative with your sides:

As a Sandwich Filling

Spread this salad between slices of whole grain bread for a satisfying sandwich, or stuff it into a wrap for a quick and tasty lunch.

On a Bed of Greens

Serve the chicken and broccoli salad on top of a bed of mixed greens or spinach for a lighter, more salad-forward dish.

With Crackers or Chips

Pair it with crunchy crackers or chips to add a little texture to your meal. You can scoop it up with chips for a snack or serve it alongside your salad.

With a Side of Fresh Veggies

This salad pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh cucumber, carrots, or even some roasted veggies for a more balanced meal.

Additional Tips

• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the dressing.
• Swap Out the Chicken: This recipe works great with other proteins, such as turkey, tofu, or even grilled shrimp.
• Make it Low-Carb: For a lower-carb version, skip the mayonnaise and swap it out for avocado to keep it creamy but lighter.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A1: Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain the broccoli well to avoid excess moisture in the salad.

Q2: Can I use a rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
A2: Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this salad.

Q3: How long can I store this salad?
A3: Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed within the first 2 days for optimal freshness.

Q4: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A4: Yes! This salad actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a while, so feel free to prep it a day ahead.

Q5: Can I add nuts or fruit to this salad?
A5: Absolutely! Adding nuts like almonds or walnuts gives it a nice crunch, and dried cranberries or apple slices can add a sweet twist.

Q6: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A6: Yes, as long as you ensure your mayonnaise is gluten-free, this salad is naturally gluten-free.

Q7: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A7: You can use a dairy-free yogurt and mayonnaise to make this recipe dairy-free. Look for plant-based alternatives in the store.

Q8: Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
A8: You can, but Greek yogurt adds extra creaminess and protein. If using regular yogurt, try to choose a thick variety to keep the dressing rich.

Q9: Can I serve this salad warm?
A9: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer it warm, you can serve the chicken warm and combine it with the salad just before serving.

Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Definitely! If you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers for the week, feel free to double the ingredients. Just make sure you have a large enough bowl to mix everything.

Conclusion

This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad is the perfect combination of freshness, crunch, and creaminess. It’s quick, easy, and completely customizable to suit your tastes. Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal prep option, a refreshing lunch, or a dish to bring to a gathering, this salad fits the bill. So grab that chicken, broccoli, and creamy dressing, and enjoy a salad that’s anything but boring!

Print