Name: Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-483676H6M16S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken works great); 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (steamed or raw, depending on preference); 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 1/2 cup celery, chopped; 1/2 cup chopped almonds or walnuts (optional for crunch); 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional for sweetness); 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened); 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or use more Greek yogurt for a lighter version); 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice; 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness); Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional); 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional); 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

Description

This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad is a healthy and delicious option packed with protein and fresh veggies, making it perfect for meal prep, lunch, or a light dinner. The creamy dressing is made with Greek yogurt and mayonnaise, giving it a satisfying taste. Add your favorite nuts and dried fruits for extra crunch and sweetness!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken works great)
3 cups fresh broccoli florets (steamed or raw, depending on preference)
1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup chopped almonds or walnuts (optional for crunch)
1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional for sweetness)

For the Dressing:

1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
1/4 cup mayonnaise (or use more Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

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Instructions

Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
- Cook and shred or dice the chicken breast.
- Chop the broccoli into small florets. Steam for 2-3 minutes for tenderness, or use raw for a crunchier texture.
- Dice the red onion, shred the carrots, and chop the celery.
- Chop the nuts (if using) and set aside dried cranberries or raisins.
Make the Dressing:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), and honey (if using). Stir well.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning as desired.
Combine the Salad:
- In a large bowl, add the chicken, broccoli, red onion, shredded carrots, celery, and nuts (if using).
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Add the Sweetness (Optional):
- Stir in the dried cranberries or raisins for added sweetness (optional).
Chill and Serve:
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. Serve cold and enjoy!

Notes

Low-Carb Version: Skip the dried fruits and focus on the nuts for crunch. You can substitute mayo with avocado for a healthier fat option.
Leftover Chicken: This recipe works perfectly with leftover chicken from previous meals.
Add Cheese: Add shredded cheddar or feta cheese for extra creaminess and flavor.
Extra Vegetables: Feel free to add bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes for added freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5-10 minutes
Category: Salad, Dessert, Side Dish
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
Calories: 320
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 50mg