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Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad

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This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad is the perfect mix of crunchy veggies, tender chicken, and a tangy, creamy dressing. Packed with flavor and great for meal prep or as a refreshing side dish!

Ingredients

Scale

  1. 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. 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
    2. 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or use more Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
    3. 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    4. 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
    5. 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
    6. Salt and pepper to taste
    7. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
    8. 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
    9. 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

Notes

  • Low-Carb Option: Skip the dried fruits and use nuts as the main texture for crunch. You can also 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 Cheese: For extra creaminess and flavor, sprinkle in some shredded cheddar or feta cheese.
  • Other Veggies: Feel free to add bell peppers, cucumber, or cherry tomatoes for extra freshness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://grandmarecipesflash.com/creamy-broccoli-and-chicken-salad/