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Have you been craving that perfect combination of crunchy, sweet, and savory flavors found in the famous chicken salad chick broccoli salad recipe? This refreshing side dish has gained a cult following for good reason! With its perfect balance of fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, and sweet-tangy dressing, making this chicken salad chick broccoli salad copycat at home means you can enjoy this delightful treat whenever the craving strikes, while controlling exactly what goes into your food.
Table of Contents
Ingredients & Kitchen Tools
For the Salad:
– 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
– 1/2 cup crispy bacon, cooked and crumbled (about 6-8 strips)
– 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1/3 cup dried cranberries or raisins
– 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (unsalted)
For the Dressing:
– 1 cup mayonnaise (regular or light)
– 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Kitchen Tools:
– Large mixing bowl
– Small mixing bowl for dressing
– Cutting board and knife
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Whisk
– Rubber spatula
Optional Substitutions:
– Greek yogurt can replace half the mayonnaise for a lighter version
– Honey can substitute for sugar
– Slivered almonds can replace sunflower seeds
– Red wine vinegar works in place of apple cider vinegar
Preparation & Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1-2 hours (optional but recommended)
Total Time: About 2 hours 15 minutes
This is a no-cook recipe perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or as a make-ahead side dish. The hands-on time is minimal, but allowing the salad to chill enhances the flavors significantly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the broccoli: Wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut into small, bite-sized florets. For extra tenderness, blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 60 seconds, then immediately plunge into ice water. Drain and pat dry.
2. Cook the bacon: For the authentic chicken salad chick broccoli salad recipe taste, cook bacon until extra crispy, then cool and crumble into small pieces.
3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. The dressing should have a pourable consistency.
4. Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli florets, red onion, crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
5. Add dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Be thorough but gentle to avoid breaking the broccoli florets.
6. Chill the salad: For best results with your chicken salad chick broccoli salad copycat, cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Nutritional Benefits / Advantages
This broccoli salad offers numerous nutritional benefits:
– Broccoli provides vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants
– Sunflower seeds add vitamin E and healthy fats
– Onions contain prebiotic fiber and immune-boosting compounds
– The combination of protein from cheese and bacon with fiber from vegetables makes this a satisfying side dish
Tips, Variations, or Cooking Advice
– For a healthier version, use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
– Add diced apple for extra crunch and sweetness
– Include chopped hard-boiled eggs for additional protein
– Make it vegetarian by omitting bacon or using plant-based bacon bits
– For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using overly large broccoli pieces: Cut florets into small, bite-sized pieces for the best eating experience.
2. Skipping the chill time: Not allowing the salad to rest means flavors won’t fully develop.
3. Adding dressing too early: If making far in advance, keep dressing separate until 1-2 hours before serving.
4. Under-seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper levels before serving.
Storage & Reheating Tips
– Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– The salad is best consumed cold and doesn’t require reheating.
– If the salad seems dry after storage, add a small amount of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to refresh.
– For best quality, avoid freezing this salad as the texture will deteriorate.
Conclusion
Creating this chicken salad chick broccoli salad recipe at home gives you the freedom to customize it to your preferences while enjoying a restaurant-quality side dish. The combination of crisp vegetables, savory bacon, and creamy dressing makes this chicken salad chick broccoli salad copycat perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or simply as a nutritious side with your weeknight dinner. We’d love to hear how your homemade version turned out – share your results and any creative twists you added to make this recipe your own!
FAQs
Can I make this broccoli salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad up to 24 hours in advance. For best results, add the dressing 1-2 hours before serving.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegan mayonnaise, skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative, and replace bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon.
How do I keep the broccoli crunchy?
For maximum crunch, use fresh broccoli and avoid over-blanching. If blanching, immediately transfer to ice water to stop the cooking process.
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Fresh broccoli is strongly recommended. Frozen broccoli tends to become too soft when thawed and won’t provide the desirable crunch.
How long will this salad last in the refrigerator?
This salad will maintain its quality for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.