If you’re looking for a hearty yet nutritious dish that brings both flavor and freshness to your table, then this loaded chicken broccoli salad recipe is your answer! Picture this: tender, shredded chicken paired with vibrant, blanched broccoli, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of crispy bacon. It’s a delightful medley that not only satisfies your taste buds but also packs a punch of health benefits. This salad is perfect for meal prep or as a crowd-pleasing side at gatherings. Trust me, the savory flavors meld together beautifully, creating a dish that’s not just good for you, but also downright delicious. So, let’s dive into the ingredients and get ready to whip up this fantastic salad that everyone will love!
Ingredients for Loaded Chicken Broccoli Salad Recipe
Gathering the right ingredients is essential for this loaded chicken broccoli salad recipe. Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful dish:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or poach your own for a healthier option.
- 3 cups broccoli florets, blanched: Blanch them for just 2-3 minutes to keep that vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: These add a burst of sweetness and color; opt for a mix of red and yellow for visual appeal.
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced: A little bite from the onion complements the other flavors nicely.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar works best, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese.
- 1/4 cup crispy bacon, crumbled: Cook until crispy for that irresistible crunch.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: This is essential for creaminess; use a good quality mayo for the best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt: It adds a tangy note and balances the richness of the mayo.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: For an extra layer of flavor; it brings a subtle kick!
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: This adds brightness and acidity to balance the salad.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season generously for maximum flavor!
How to Prepare the Loaded Chicken Broccoli Salad Recipe
Preparing this loaded chicken broccoli salad is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a colorful, nutritious dish ready in no time. Start by gathering all your ingredients and ensuring that your chicken is cooked and shredded, and your broccoli is blanched to that perfect crisp-tender texture. Once you’re ready, let’s dive into the preparation!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded chicken, 3 cups of blanched broccoli florets, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of diced red onion, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup of crumbled crispy bacon. Gently toss everything together to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Add salt and pepper to taste. This dressing is the heart of the salad, so make sure it’s well blended!
- Pour the dressing over the chicken and veggie mixture. Use a spatula to fold the dressing gently into the salad until everything is well coated. It’s important not to overmix to keep that lovely texture!
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let those flavors meld beautifully. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
- When ready to serve, give it a gentle stir and taste for seasoning. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or a sprinkle of cheese and bacon on top for that extra flair. Serve it chilled and enjoy!
Tips for Success with Loaded Chicken Broccoli Salad Recipe
To truly elevate your loaded chicken broccoli salad, keep these tips in mind! First, always opt for high-quality ingredients. Fresh, organic broccoli and ripe cherry tomatoes make a world of difference in flavor and texture. If you have time, consider marinating your shredded chicken in a bit of lemon juice and seasoning for added depth before mixing it into the salad. Also, don’t skip the chilling step—allowing the salad to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes lets the flavors mingle and intensify, resulting in a more delicious dish. Lastly, feel free to taste and adjust the seasoning right before serving; a little extra salt or a dash of vinegar can bring everything together beautifully. Trust me, these small tweaks will take your salad from good to absolutely fantastic!
Variations of Loaded Chicken Broccoli Salad Recipe
This loaded chicken broccoli salad is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For a delightful twist, try swapping out the chicken for grilled shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option. If you’re looking to add a crunch, toss in some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts; they not only provide texture but also a boost of healthy fats.
You can also experiment with different cheeses—feta or blue cheese can introduce a whole new flavor profile. Feeling adventurous? Add avocado for creaminess or a handful of spinach for extra greens. The beauty of this recipe is that you can mix and match ingredients to create your perfect salad masterpiece. So, don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
When it comes to nutritional information for this loaded chicken broccoli salad recipe, it’s important to note that values can vary significantly based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. While I can provide some typical nutritional values, they are not set in stone. For a standard serving size of 1 cup, you can expect around 350 calories, with 28g of protein, 22g of fat, and 10g of carbohydrates. There’s also a modest 3g of sugar and 3g of fiber in each serving. Remember that these numbers will fluctuate based on choices like the type of cheese, dressing, or additional toppings you incorporate. Always feel free to customize based on your dietary preferences!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Savory: The combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and smoky bacon creates a deliciously satisfying dish that’s full of flavor.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and vitamins, this salad is not only tasty but also a healthy choice that fuels your body.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this salad in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Great for Meal Prep: This salad stores well in the fridge and actually tastes better after the flavors have melded, making it an ideal option for meal prep.
- Customizable: With endless variations possible, you can easily adapt this salad to suit your personal taste or dietary needs, keeping it exciting every time.
Serving Suggestions
This loaded chicken broccoli salad is a fantastic standalone dish, but pairing it with complementary sides can truly elevate your meal experience! For a light lunch or dinner, consider serving it alongside a slice of crusty whole-grain bread or toasted pita chips for a satisfying crunch. If you’re in the mood for something a bit heartier, a side of quinoa or brown rice can provide a wholesome base that pairs beautifully with the flavors of the salad.
Another great option is to accompany the salad with a refreshing fruit salad—think juicy watermelon, tangy berries, or sweet pineapple—to balance the savory elements. And for those warm summer evenings, serving it alongside some grilled vegetables or skewers can add a lovely smoky flavor that complements the salad perfectly. Whatever you choose, these sides will enhance your loaded chicken broccoli salad and create a delightful dining experience!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your loaded chicken broccoli salad is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, but trust me, it tastes even better after a day as the flavors meld beautifully. If you’re packing it for lunch or a potluck, consider adding the dressing separately to keep everything crisp and fresh until you’re ready to eat.
As for reheating, this salad is best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to heat it up! However, if you prefer it warm, you can gently heat the chicken in a microwave until just warm, then mix it back into the salad. Just remember, you want to maintain that crunch from the broccoli and the freshness of the other ingredients, so keep the heating to a minimum! Enjoy your delicious salad anytime you want!
For more information on the health benefits of broccoli, check out this Healthline article.
For tips on meal prepping, visit this EatingWell guide.
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Loaded Chicken Broccoli Salad Recipe for a Tasty Meal!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and nutritious loaded chicken broccoli salad that combines fresh ingredients with savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 3 cups broccoli florets, blanched
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup crispy bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, blanched broccoli, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cheddar cheese, and bacon.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled, garnished with additional bacon and cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a low-carb version, replace mayonnaise with avocado.
- Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp for a different protein.
- Try adding nuts for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: loaded chicken broccoli salad recipe
