If you’re craving a vibrant, wholesome dish that’s both satisfying and packed with fresh flavors, this Broccoli Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines tender chunks of chicken with crisp broccoli florets and a creamy, tangy dressing that beautifully balances richness and brightness. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a crowd-pleasing potluck option, this salad brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels special but is incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Broccoli Chicken Salad Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward, fresh ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each one plays a key role: the creamy base, the crunchy veggies, and the savory chicken all harmonize to create delightful textures and balanced flavors.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and creaminess to make the salad luscious.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Gives a tangy freshness while lightening up the dressing.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens and lifts the flavors with a subtle citrus zing.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses a gentle punch of savory depth.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the salad.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and earthy background notes.
- Chicken breast, cooked and chopped: The hearty protein that makes this salad satisfying and filling.
- Broccoli, chopped: Provides a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
- Red onion, finely chopped: Delivers a touch of sharpness and sweetness.
- Red bell pepper, finely chopped: Offers a sweet, crisp pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Broccoli Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Make the creamy dressing
In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients very well until smooth and well-incorporated. You can use a food processor or a hand emulsion blender for a perfectly creamy, homogeneous dressing that will coat every bite beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the salad base
Gather your cooked, chopped chicken breast and the fresh vegetables—broccoli, red onion, and red bell pepper. Make sure the broccoli is chopped into bite-sized pieces with the large stems removed for the best texture. The onions and peppers should be finely chopped to distribute their flavor evenly throughout the salad.
Step 3: Combine everything
In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken, broccoli, red onion, and red bell pepper. Pour in the creamy dressing and gently toss everything together until every piece is well coated. This step is where the salad truly comes to life, with all the colors and textures mingling perfectly.
How to Serve Broccoli Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Broccoli Chicken Salad Recipe to the next level, consider garnishing with toasted almonds or sunflower seeds for extra crunch. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill also add a fragrant freshness that complements the creamy dressing wonderfully. Even a sprinkle of paprika can add a subtle smoky note and vibrant appearance.
Side Dishes
This salad works wonderfully as a standalone dish, but pairing it with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a light soup creates a perfectly balanced meal. A side of quinoa or brown rice can also make it heartier if you’re craving something a bit more substantial.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this salad at a gathering, try presenting it in hollowed-out bell peppers or small lettuce cups for a fun and elegant twist. You could also serve it atop a bed of mixed greens or wrap it in a whole wheat tortilla for a delicious chicken salad wrap variation. The options are endless and perfect for making each serving feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers from your Broccoli Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it an excellent make-ahead lunch option for busy days.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh because the broccoli will lose its crispness and the dressing’s texture might change after freezing. If you need to freeze the chicken separately, do so before mixing it with the salad ingredients to maintain the best quality.
Reheating
Since this dish is served cold, reheating is not necessary. If you want to enjoy warm chicken with the salad, reheat the cooked chicken separately before combining it with the other cold ingredients and dressing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this Broccoli Chicken Salad Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh broccoli for the crunch and bright flavor, but if you only have frozen, thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture which could make the salad soggy.
What other vegetables can I add to this salad?
Feel free to experiment! Chopped celery, shredded carrots, or even some diced cucumber would all add wonderful texture and flavor variety.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?
You can replace mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or use avocado for a dairy-free alternative, keeping the creamy texture intact.
How long does the dressing stay good after making it?
The dressing can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 4 days, allowing plenty of time to use it fresh or on other salads.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the salad a few hours in advance to let the flavors meld. Just add the dressing right before serving if you want to preserve the freshest crunch of the broccoli.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Chicken Salad Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a fresh, satisfying meal that feels homemade and wholesome yet comes together with such ease. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to keep in your rotation for its vibrant textures and comforting creaminess. I really hope you give it a try soon — it might just become one of your favorite go-to salads!
Print
Broccoli Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (assuming chicken cooking time if not pre-cooked)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and healthy Broccoli Chicken Salad featuring tender cooked chicken breast, fresh broccoli florets, crisp red onion and bell pepper, all tossed in a creamy homemade dressing made with mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and garlic. Ready in just 15 minutes, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or a nutritious side dish.
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about ½ of medium-sized lemon)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Salad
- 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and chopped
- 3 cups broccoli, chopped (large stems removed)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
Instructions
- Make creamy dressing: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and well blended. You may use a food processor or hand emulsion blender for a more uniform texture.
- Prepare the salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and chopped chicken breast, chopped broccoli florets, finely chopped red onion, and red bell pepper.
- Toss the salad: Pour the creamy dressing over the salad ingredients. Mix gently but thoroughly until all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve and enjoy: The salad is ready to be served immediately or can be chilled briefly for enhanced flavors. Ideal for a nutritious lunch or light dinner.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked chicken breast, either grilled, baked, or boiled, for best flavor.
- Chilling the salad for 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together.
- For a low-fat option, use low-fat mayonnaise and Greek yogurt.
- Add toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch, if desired.
- This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
