Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad recipe
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
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)
For the Dressing:
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:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
If you haven’t already, cook and shred or dice the chicken breast.
Chop the broccoli into small florets. If you prefer, you can lightly steam the broccoli for 2-3 minutes until tender but still crisp, or use it raw for a crunchier texture.
Dice the red onion, shred the carrots, and chop the celery.
If using nuts, chop them into smaller pieces, and if using dried cranberries or raisins, set them aside.
2. 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 well to combine.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you’d like it a little creamier, add more Greek yogurt or mayo.
3. Combine the Salad:
In a large bowl, add the chicken, broccoli, red onion, shredded carrots, celery, and nuts (if using).
Pour the creamy dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly.
4. Add the Sweetness (Optional):
Stir in the dried cranberries or raisins for a sweet contrast to the creamy dressing. This step is optional but adds a nice balance.
5. Chill and Serve:
For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Serve cold, and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
Make it low-carb: Skip the dried fruits and use nuts as the main texture for crunch. You can even replace the mayo with avocado for a healthier fat option.
Use leftovers: This recipe is great for using leftover chicken from a previous meal.
Add some cheese: For extra creaminess and flavor, you can sprinkle in some shredded cheddar or feta cheese.
Add other vegetables: If you like, throw in some bell peppers, cucumber, or cherry tomatoes for extra freshness.
This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad is versatile, high in protein, and perfect for meal prep, picnics, or as a quick dinner. Enjoy!