If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant, delicious salad that’s as satisfying as it is healthy, this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Bursting with the fresh crunch of broccoli, tender chicken, tangy dried cranberries, and a luscious creamy dressing, every bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a hearty, comforting hug in a bowl while still being light enough for any time of day. Whether you’re packing lunch, serving a side at dinner, or needing a quick but impressive dish for guests, this salad checks all the boxes and then some.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad Recipe comes from a fantastic handful of simple, fresh ingredients. Each item adds its own unique note—whether it’s bold, nutty, sweet, or creamy—building layers of flavor and texture that make the salad sing.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups): Provides tender, high-protein goodness that makes this salad hearty and satisfying.
- Fresh broccoli florets (3 cups): Adds vibrant green color, crispness, and a nutritional powerhouse vibe.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (½ cup): Brings a sharp, creamy contrast that perfectly complements the veggies and chicken.
- Finely chopped red onion (â…“ cup): Offers just the right amount of bite and color to brighten the mix.
- Sunflower seeds or chopped almonds (¼ cup): These add a toasty crunch that keeps each mouthful interesting.
- Dried cranberries or raisins (â…“ cup): Sweet bursts that contrast beautifully with the savory elements.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning that ties everything together.
How to Make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together the creaminess that will coat and unify your salad. Grab a small bowl and combine plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise if you prefer a richer base), sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this dressing is the heart of the salad, providing a tangy yet mellow flavor that pulls all the ingredients into a perfect harmony.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Next, gather your chopped broccoli florets, cooked chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped red onion, sunflower seeds or almonds, and dried cranberries or raisins in a large mixing bowl. Pour the creamy dressing over the top. Now comes the fun part—toss everything gently but thoroughly so that every bite bursts with flavor and texture. This step ensures each forkful has a little bit of everything, creating a dance of tastes and mouthfeel.
Step 3: Chill and Serve
While you *can* dig right in, letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes really amps up the flavor. The chilling time allows those vibrant flavors to meld beautifully, and the salad comes out refreshingly cool and perfectly balanced. Serve it cold as a main dish or side, and watch how quickly it disappears!
How to Serve Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad Recipe with garnishes that add extra flair. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra nuts on top can add color and crunch, while a light drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice freshens things right up. These small touches make whatever plate you’re serving on pop and bring an inviting finish to the dish.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with simple, complementary sides. Think warm crusty bread, buttery corn on the cob, or a light quinoa pilaf. For a no-fuss combo, serve it alongside a bowl of homemade soup, and you’ll have a balanced and satisfying meal that’s just bursting with wholesome goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get creative! Try serving the salad inside hollowed-out tomatoes or avocados for a fun twist, or spoon it onto crisp lettuce leaves for an elegant finger food. You could also turn this into a vibrant sandwich filling or wrap it in a tortilla for a portable, protein-packed lunch. The Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad Recipe is super versatile, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prepping or quick grab-and-go meals. Just be mindful that the textures will soften slightly after a day or two, but the flavor only deepens.
Freezing
Because this salad has fresh broccoli and dairy-based dressing, freezing is not recommended. Freezing can change the texture of the vegetables and cause the creamy dressing to separate, which may compromise the salad’s appeal. For the best experience, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not ideal. If you want to enjoy a warm meal inspired by these flavors, try using the ingredients separately in a warm dish like a stir-fry or casserole. Otherwise, keeping it chilled preserves that unbeatable fresh crunch and creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli in this salad?
While fresh broccoli is preferred for the crisp texture, you can use frozen broccoli if you thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water. The salad won’t be as crunchy, but it will still taste great.
Is there a dairy-free version of the Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Swap out the Greek yogurt and sour cream for dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt or cashew cream. Use vegan mayonnaise if you’d like, and the salad will remain creamy and delicious.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes to add more color and variety. Just keep them finely chopped so they blend well with the other ingredients.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad Recipe comes together super quickly—usually in about 15 minutes. It requires zero cooking aside from having cooked chicken on hand, making it a fantastic no-cook, no-fuss meal.
What can I substitute for sunflower seeds?
If you’re not a fan of sunflower seeds, chopped almonds, walnuts, or even pumpkin seeds make wonderful alternatives that add crunch and nuttiness. Just toast them lightly for an extra flavor boost!
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad Recipe enough—it’s fresh, flavorful, and so satisfying in every way. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s quickly become a staple in my kitchen for lunches and casual dinners alike. I hope you give it a try and fall in love with it just as much as I have!
Print
Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish perfect for a healthy lunch or side. Featuring tender cooked chicken, crisp broccoli florets, shredded cheddar, and a tangy creamy dressing made from Greek yogurt, sour cream, and apple cider vinegar, it delivers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Enhanced with crunchy sunflower seeds and sweet dried cranberries, this salad is easy to prepare with no cooking required, making it ideal for busy days or meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- â…“ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds
- â…“ cup dried cranberries or raisins
- Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Dressing
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped broccoli florets, cooked chicken breast, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped red onion, sunflower seeds (or chopped almonds), and dried cranberries (or raisins).
- Mix Together: Pour the creamy dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the salt and pepper if needed to suit your preference.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and serve chilled for the best taste.
- Serve: Serve the creamy broccoli and chicken salad cold as a main dish or side.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient option.
- Add cooked bacon or chopped apples for extra flavor and crunch.
- This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
