If you’re craving a wholesome dish that’s both nourishing and irresistibly delicious, look no further than this Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad. Bursting with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, sweet cranberries, and a tangy creamy dressing, this salad is all about contrasting flavors and textures that somehow just work together beautifully. Whether you’re prepping ahead for busy weekdays, looking for an easy lunch, or need a crowd-pleasing potluck hit, Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad will absolutely become your new go-to. Let’s get to the goodness!

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of kitchen staples and a few colorful extras, you’ll have everything you need to whip up Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad in no time. Each ingredient has an important role in creating a dish packed with flavor, crunch, and pizzazz—don’t skip any if you want the magic!

Chicken breast: Use cooked, shredded or chopped chicken for a protein-packed, hearty salad base—rotisserie chicken makes this especially quick!
Fresh broccoli florets: Blanched or raw, broccoli adds the perfect fresh crunch and vibrant green color to every bite.
Red onion: Finely chopped for a pop of sharpness and a hint of color—soak in cold water for a milder flavor if desired.
Dried cranberries: Their natural sweetness balances the creamy, savory elements and adds chewy texture.
Chopped walnuts or sliced almonds: Nuts introduce healthy fats and a satisfying crunch—feel free to swap or combine for your preferred nutty note.
Mayonnaise: This classic creamy salad base binds everything together for that signature richness.
Plain Greek yogurt: Adds a tangy, lighter note while cutting through the richness of the mayo (plus a protein boost!).
Apple cider vinegar: Brings brightness and a subtle tang to enliven all the flavors.
Dijon mustard: Just a touch amps up the overall depth and sharpness without being overpowering.
Salt and pepper: Essential finishing touches to enhance the entire salad—season to taste, always!

How to Make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prep the Salad Ingredients

Start by preparing all your main salad ingredients. It’s easiest to shred or chop your cooked chicken ahead of time—rotisserie chicken makes this a breeze. Next, trim and break your broccoli into bite-size florets; blanch quickly in boiling water for a vibrant color and tender-crisp texture or keep it raw if you love a firmer crunch. Chop your red onion finely and gather your cranberries and nuts so everything is ready to go.

Step 2: Mix the Chicken, Broccoli, and Add-Ins

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, broccoli, red onion, dried cranberries, and your choice of nuts. Toss gently so you don’t bruise the broccoli or break down the chicken too much—this step builds the hefty and hearty base of your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad.

Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Dressing

In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until silky smooth and the dressing tastes bright and tangy. Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the salt or acidity until you reach your personal perfection.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour your freshly whisked dressing over the bowl of salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece is well coated. At this moment, the salad really comes alive—the creamy, zingy dressing sneaks into every nook and cranny.

Step 5: Chill and Let the Flavors Meld

Cover the bowl and chill your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This little bit of patience is so worth it as the flavors mingle and deepen. When ready, give everything a quick stir and adjust seasoning one more time if necessary.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad

Garnishes

For an eye-catching finish, sprinkle a few extra chopped nuts, a handful of fresh herbs (like chives or parsley), or even some crumbled crisp bacon over the top. The garnishes add a new layer of texture and color to your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad, making every serving feel special.

Side Dishes

This salad is wonderfully versatile so you can keep things light with a simple fruit cup or pair it beside herbed rice, fresh baguette, or a cozy bowl of soup. Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad also works beautifully piled over leafy greens or tucked inside a whole grain pita for a satisfying lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or potlucks, serve individual portions in lettuce cups or load mason jars for an easy grab and go option. If you want to elevate the salad even more, try display it on a pretty platter with rings of sliced tomatoes or avocado fans—the vibrant presentation is sure to wow everyone who sees it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad stores beautifully! Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, but for the freshest bite, give the salad a good mix before serving again.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad as the creamy dressing and crisp vegetables can become watery or lose their pleasing texture once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple days of making.

Reheating

No reheating required—this salad is meant to be served chilled. Just pull it from the fridge and give it a gentle toss. If you’re adding any fresh garnishes (like bacon or nuts), sprinkle those on just before serving to keep things crunchy.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad is actually even better when made ahead, as chilling allows the flavors to develop. You can prep it a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Can I substitute the mayo or yogurt in the dressing?

Yes, you can use all Greek yogurt for an extra tangy, lighter version, or opt for a dairy-free mayo if you need it to be dairy free. The combination listed gives a creamy tang that’s hard to beat, but feel free to mix it up based on your preferences.

What kind of nuts work best in Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad?

Both walnuts and sliced almonds add great crunch, but you can also use pecans, cashews, or even roasted pumpkin seeds. Choose what you love or have on hand for a fun twist.

Is it possible to use rotisserie or leftover chicken?

Definitely! Using rotisserie chicken or leftovers saves time and makes preparation even easier. Just be sure to remove any skin or bones and chop or shred the meat before adding.

How do I keep the broccoli bright and crunchy?

Blanching the broccoli quickly in boiling water, then plunging it in ice water, keeps it vibrant and crisp-tender. You can also use it raw for extra crunch—just be sure to slice the florets nice and small for the best texture in your Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for something fresh, hearty, and full of flavor to brighten up your meal routine, you simply have to try Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad. It’s the perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory that always makes a crowd-pleasing impression—let it become your new staple for lunches, gatherings, or anytime you crave something deliciously satisfying!

Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad is a delightful combination of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, sweet cranberries, and crunchy nuts, all tossed in a creamy dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

3 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
4 cups fresh broccoli florets (blanched or raw)
1/2 cup red onion (finely chopped)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup chopped walnuts or sliced almonds

For the Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, broccoli, red onion, dried cranberries, and nuts.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop.
Serve cold.