Description
A refreshing and creamy broccoli and chicken salad combining tender chicken breast, crisp broccoli florets, and vibrant vegetables with a tangy Greek yogurt and mayonnaise dressing. This easy-to-make salad is packed with flavor and texture, making it perfect for a light lunch or a healthy side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad 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)
Dressing Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: Cook and shred or dice the chicken breast. You can use grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken based on availability or preference.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Chop the broccoli into small florets. Steam for 2-3 minutes if you prefer a tender texture, or keep it raw if you like a crunchier bite.
- Chop Vegetables: Dice the red onion finely, shred the carrots, and chop the celery into small pieces for even distribution in the salad.
- Prepare Nuts and Fruits: Chop the almonds or walnuts if using and set aside the dried cranberries or raisins for optional sweetness.
- Make the Dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, and honey if using. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Season the Dressing: Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the dressing. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, red onion, shredded carrots, chopped celery, and nuts if you are using them.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Add Sweetness (Optional): Stir in the dried cranberries or raisins to add a touch of natural sweetness and a chewy texture to the salad.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Serve cold for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Steaming the broccoli softens it, but using it raw will provide a crisp texture—choose based on preference.
- For a lighter dressing, replace mayonnaise entirely with Greek yogurt.
- To make this salad nut-free, simply omit the chopped nuts.
- Honey is optional; omit it for a less sweet dressing or for a diabetic-friendly version.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days but is freshest when eaten the same day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
