Among the many salads I’ve tried, the chicken salad chick broccoli salad recipe stands out as one of the best. The fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, and sweet raisins in the tangy sauce are a match made in heaven.
I served this salad at a dinner party not too long ago, and it went over exceptionally well. Many of my visitors requested the recipe after raving about how delicious it was.
Then, I realized this salad is not only a hit with guests but also a nutritious and convenient dish for any gathering.
How to Make Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad
So, if you want a salad that won’t break the bank but will still satisfy your taste buds and keep you healthy, look no further than the Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad!
This salad is perfect for any occasion, from a dinner gathering to a weeknight dinner. And I’ll teach you how to make it in this post so you can have it whenever you want. I promise you won’t be let down!
The fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, sweet raisins, and tangy vinaigrette make for a fantastic salad. In this post, I’ll show you how to prepare a delicious salad that will have you reaching for seconds.
Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Ingredients
To make the Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 6 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional)
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Step by Step Instructions To Make Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad
Step 1: Preparing the Broccoli
Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly and pat dry with a paper towel. Cut the florets into small bite-sized pieces and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Preparing the Bacon and Onion
Crisp up the bacon in a frying pan over medium heat. Once done, crumble the bacon into small pieces and add it to the mixing bowl with the broccoli. Next, chop the red onion into small pieces and add it to the bowl.
Step 3: Adding Raisins and Optional Ingredients
Add the raisins to the mixing bowl with the broccoli, bacon, and onion. If you like, you can also add shredded cheddar cheese or sunflower seeds to the bowl.
Step 4: Making the Dressing
In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk the ingredients until they are fully combined and the dressing is smooth.
Step 5: Mixing the Salad
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and stir well to coat all the ingredients with the dressing. Make sure to mix thoroughly, so that the dressing is evenly distributed.
Step 6: Serving the Salad
Transfer the Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad to a serving dish and serve immediately. You can also store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Variations
Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch: If you want your salad to have a little more bite to it, try adding some nuts. To add a crunchy and tasty twist, simply combine them with the rest of the components.
Dried cranberries can be substituted for raisins if you’re not a lover of the softer texture and milder flavour of raisins. They both contribute a pleasant taste to the salad while bringing distinctively different flavours to the table.
Switch to vegetarian bacon if you’re trying to cut down on the saturated fat and calories in the salad. It’s a lighter alternative that still gives the salad a pleasant smokiness.
Add some spice with chopped jalapenos or red pepper flakes for those who prefer a spicier salad. This will give the dish a pleasant spicy kick that goes well with the richness of the raisins.
Chopping up some fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil and adding them to the salad will give it a new dimension of flavor. They make the salad taste more vibrant and herbal, which goes well with the rest of the components.
How To Store & Reheat
Storing:
If you have any leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Make sure to keep the salad separate from the dressing, as the broccoli can get soggy if it sits in the dressing for too long.
The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
If you want to enjoy the salad warm, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
To reheat in the microwave, place the desired amount of salad in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, and heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until warm.
To reheat on the stovetop, place the desired amount of salad in a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warm.
Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Faq’s
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the salad ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh broccoli?
No, it is recommended to use fresh broccoli for this recipe to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Can I use a different type of vinegar for the dressing?
Yes, you can use a different type of vinegar such as white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar.
Can I make this salad without bacon?
Yes, you can omit the bacon from the recipe if you prefer a vegetarian or lighter version of the salad.
Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 6 slices crispy bacon crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds optional
- Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly and pat dry with a paper towel. Cut the florets into small bite-sized pieces and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
- Crisp up the bacon in a frying pan over medium heat. Once done, crumble the bacon into small pieces and add it to the mixing bowl with the broccoli. Next, chop the red onion into small pieces and add it to the bowl as well.
- Add the raisins to the mixing bowl with the broccoli, bacon, and onion. If you like, you can also add shredded cheddar cheese or sunflower seeds to the bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar together. Whisk the ingredients until they are fully combined and the dressing is smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and stir well to coat all the ingredients with the dressing. Make sure to mix thoroughly, so that the dressing is evenly distributed.
