Introduction: Why You’ll Love This Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Recipe
Craving the fresh, crunchy goodness of Chicken Salad Chick’s broccoli salad? This easy copycat recipe brings the same creamy, tangy flavor to your kitchen. It’s packed with crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and a sweet, creamy dressing. Perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or a quick side dish. Keep reading to see how simple and delicious it is to make at home.
Ingredients Overview
This broccoli salad gets its signature flavor and texture from a handful of simple, fresh ingredients. Below is a breakdown of what you’ll need for both the salad and the dressing:
For the Salad:
- Fresh Broccoli Florets: Use raw broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces. The crunch is key to this salad.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds richness and balances the sweetness of the dressing.
- Cooked Bacon: Crispy bacon crumbles bring a savory, smoky punch.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a pop of color and a slight bite.
- Sunflower Seeds or Slivered Almonds (optional): Adds a nutty crunch, just like the restaurant version.
For the Dressing:
- Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base; use full-fat for the best flavor.
- White Vinegar: Adds tanginess and cuts through the richness.
- Granulated Sugar: Gives the dressing its signature sweet finish.
- Salt and Pepper: Just enough to enhance all the flavors.
Recommended Equipment
You don’t need any special tools to make this salad, but having the right kitchen equipment will make the process quicker and easier. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Cutting Board and Sharp Knife
For chopping broccoli, dicing onions, and crumbling bacon. A sharp knife ensures clean cuts and faster prep.
Mixing Bowls
Use a large bowl for tossing the salad and a smaller one for preparing the dressing. Stainless steel or glass bowls are ideal.
Whisk or Spoon
To mix the dressing ingredients until smooth and well combined.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements matter, especially for the dressing’s sweet and tangy balance.
Skillet or Oven (for Bacon)
If not using pre-cooked bacon, you’ll need a skillet or oven to cook it until crisp. Be sure to drain excess grease before adding it to the salad.
Salad Spinner (optional)
If you wash your broccoli, a salad spinner helps dry it quickly to prevent a watery salad.
Tips for the Best Results
Want to make sure your Chicken Salad Chick broccoli salad turns out just right? These simple but effective tips will help you nail the flavor, texture, and overall presentation every time.
Use Fresh, Crisp Broccoli
Fresh broccoli is the backbone of this salad. Avoid using frozen broccoli—it becomes too soft and watery. Look for tight, bright green florets and firm stems.
Cut Broccoli into Small, Uniform Pieces
Smaller florets not only blend better with the other ingredients, but also make the salad easier to eat. Uniform cuts ensure even coating of the dressing.
Let the Salad Rest Before Serving
Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) helps soften the raw broccoli just slightly and enhances the flavor. It also allows the dressing to absorb into each component.
Cook Bacon Until Crispy
Crispy bacon adds texture and contrasts beautifully with the creamy dressing. Soft or chewy bacon won’t deliver the same crunch or flavor pop.
Balance Sweetness and Tang in the Dressing
If you’re sensitive to sugar or vinegar, taste the dressing before mixing it with the salad. You can adjust the amount of sugar or vinegar to suit your preference.
Don’t Overdo the Dressing
Start by adding about three-quarters of the dressing to the salad, toss, and then decide if it needs more. You want the ingredients coated—not swimming.
Toast Nuts or Seeds for Extra Flavor (If Using)
If adding sunflower seeds or slivered almonds, consider lightly toasting them in a dry pan for a few minutes to bring out their flavor and crunch.
Use Full-Fat Mayo for Authentic Taste
Low-fat versions may alter the flavor and texture of the dressing. For the most authentic copycat result, use regular, full-fat mayonnaise.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of this broccoli salad is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re adapting it for dietary needs or just want to change things up, here are some tasty variations and smart substitutions to try:
Add Protein for a Hearty Dish
Make the salad more filling by adding:
- Grilled Chicken: For extra protein and a complete meal.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: Adds richness and texture.
- Chickpeas: A great plant-based protein option.
Swap the Cheese
If you don’t have cheddar or want a twist, try:
- Colby Jack: For a milder, creamy taste.
- Feta or Goat Cheese : Adds a tangy, creamy element.
Use a Healthier Dressing Base
Lighten up the recipe with:
Greek Yogurt: Replace half or all of the mayo with plain Greek yogurt for a tangy, lower-fat option.
Avocado Mayo: A good alternative for a cleaner ingredient list.
Add More Crunch or Color
Enhance the salad’s texture and visual appeal with:
- Diced Red Bell Peppers: Sweet and colorful.
- Shredded Carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and color.
- Chopped Celery: For an extra crispy bite.
Make it Vegetarian or Vegan
Skip the bacon or use plant-based bacon crumbles. Use vegan mayo and sugar alternatives like maple syrup or agave for a vegan-friendly version.
Adjust the Sweetness
Prefer a more savory flavor? Reduce the sugar in the dressing or replace it with:
- Honey: For a more natural sweetness.
- Maple Syrup: Adds a subtle, earthy note.
Try a Different Vinegar
Instead of white vinegar, experiment with:
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Slightly fruitier and milder.
- Red Wine Vinegar: A bit sharper and adds a rosy hue.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Salad Chick’s broccoli salad is a versatile side dish that fits into almost any meal. Whether you’re planning a casual lunch, a summer barbecue, or a weeknight dinner, here are some delicious ways to serve it:
As a Side Dish
This broccoli salad pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses:
- Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: A great side for deli sandwiches, BLTs, or chicken salad wraps.
- Burgers and Hot Dogs: An easy and refreshing contrast to rich, meaty mains at cookouts.
On a Salad Bar or Potluck Table
It’s always a crowd-pleaser:
- Holds up well without wilting or getting soggy.
- Can be made ahead and served cold or at room temperature.
- Looks colorful and inviting in a large serving bowl.
As a Light Lunch or Snack
Add protein (like grilled chicken or chickpeas), and enjoy it as:
- A light main course.
- A meal-prep salad for lunches throughout the week.
- A midday snack with crackers or toast points on the side.
Inside a Lettuce Wrap or Pita
Get creative and stuff it into:
- Romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
- Whole wheat pitas for a quick, handheld lunch.
With Southern-Inspired Meals
Serve it with classic Southern dishes for a complete comfort food plate:
- Fried chicken
- Mac and cheese
- Cornbread or biscuits
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the great things about this Chicken Salad Chick broccoli salad is how well it keeps. Whether you’re planning ahead or saving leftovers, here’s how to store it properly and keep it tasting fresh.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerator Storage:
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days.
Avoid Freezing:
Freezing is not recommended. The mayo-based dressing can separate, and the broccoli will become mushy when thawed.
Keep Ingredients Separate (Optional):
If you’re prepping for multiple days, consider storing the dressing separately and mixing just before serving. This keeps the broccoli crisp longer.
Make-Ahead Tips
Perfect for Prep:
This salad actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours, which allows the flavors to blend and the broccoli to soften slightly.
Make 1 Day Ahead:
For best flavor, you can prepare the full salad (with dressing) a day in advance. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Store Dressing Separately (for Longer Storage):
If making more than a day ahead, keep the dressing in a separate container and mix just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
Refreshing Leftovers
If the salad looks dry after sitting in the fridge, stir in a spoonful of mayo or a splash of vinegar to freshen it up. Add a few fresh bacon crumbles or cheese on top before serving to restore the texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Chicken Salad Chick’s broccoli salad is not only delicious but also provides a good balance of nutrients. Here’s a basic breakdown of the nutrition for this recipe, based on typical ingredients and a standard serving size of about 1 cup.
Calories
One serving (about 1 cup) typically contains around 300–350 calories. The exact number will depend on the amount of dressing and bacon you use, as well as any variations in ingredients.
Fat
Total Fat: About 25–30 grams per serving.
This includes healthy fats from the mayo, bacon, and cheese. If you want to reduce fat, consider using a lighter mayo or cutting back on the bacon.
Carbohydrates
Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 10–15 grams.
Most of the carbs come from the broccoli, which is low in carbs and high in fiber. The dressing and other ingredients add some sugars and carbs.
Fiber: Around 3–4 grams per serving.
The broccoli and optional seeds or nuts contribute to the fiber content, helping with digestion.
Sugar: About 6–8 grams.
This comes from the sugar in the dressing and the natural sweetness of the broccoli.
Protein
Protein:
Around 6–8 grams per serving, mostly from the cheddar cheese and bacon. For a higher protein version, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Vitamins and Minerals
- Vitamin C: The broccoli provides a good amount of Vitamin C, which supports immune health and skin.
- Calcium: The cheddar cheese adds calcium, important for bone health.
- Iron: The bacon and sunflower seeds provide a small amount of iron, which supports red blood cell function.
Sodium
Sodium:
Around 400–500 milligrams per serving, primarily from the bacon and mayo. You can reduce sodium by using a low-sodium mayo and limiting the amount of bacon.
Conclusion
Chicken Salad Chick’s broccoli salad is a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors that make it a crowd favorite. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish at a barbecue, preparing it ahead for a week of lunches, or enjoying it as a light main course, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to satisfy. With simple ingredients and plenty of opportunities for customization, you can tailor it to fit your tastes and dietary needs. Follow the tips, experiment with variations, and enjoy a fresh, delicious, and nutritious salad that’s perfect for any occasion!
FAQS
Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, apple cider vinegar, mayo, salt and pepper until well blended.
- Place the broccoli, cheese, and bacon in a large bowl and toss to mix.
- Pour the dressing over top, and then gently stir thoroughly so the dressing is well distributed.
- Chill and serve.