Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Recipe – Ultimate Guide!
If you’ve ever savored the broccoli salad at Chicken Salad Chick, you know it’s a simple yet irresistibly addictive dish that leaves you craving more.
Now, with our incredibly easy copycat recipe, you can recreate this delightful broccoli salad at home whenever that hankering strikes.
Whether it’s a personal craving or a dish to share at gatherings and special occasions, the Chicken Salad Chick broccoli salad is a crowd-pleaser—even for those who aren’t typically salad enthusiasts!
Make it your go-to for a healthy and delicious meal. We’ll also provide tips on how to customize the recipe for a broccoli salad bowl tailored to your preferences. If you’re eager to dive into the best copycat Chicken Salad Chick broccoli salad recipe, head straight to the recipe card below.
Ingredients:
Here are the ingredients needed for the Chicken Salad Chick broccoli salad:
1. Broccoli florets: The foundation of our salad. We suggest obtaining fresh broccoli from the market and cutting it into florets for use in the recipe. Approximately 2 pounds of broccoli should be ample for serving around 6 people, so adjust accordingly.
2. Bacon: Incorporating bacon into the broccoli salad enhances its flavor and texture. We recommend cooking your own bacon, ensuring it’s crumbled, crisp, and cut into bite-sized pieces for the best taste. When selecting bacon, opt for a thin-cut variety with a slightly higher meat-to-fat ratio. However, if time is limited or convenience is a priority, store-bought bacon bits can be used.
3. Shredded cheese: Any shredded version of your favorite cheese will work in this recipe. A blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese is a foolproof choice for a mild and universally appealing taste.
4. Mayonnaise: Mayo serves as the foundation for our dressing, adding flavor to the broccoli salad and complementing the broccoli effectively.
5. Apple cider vinegar: White vinegar or balsamic vinegar can be used as alternatives to apple cider vinegar. The vinegar helps thin the dressing and contributes depth to the flavor.
6. Sugar: Sugar imparts sweetness to the dressing, enhancing the overall taste of the salad. For a sugar-free option, substitute with Stevia. Honey is also a suitable replacement for sugar if preferred.
7. Lemon juice: Lemon juice provides zest and a tangy flavor to the broccoli salad, making the dish refreshing. We strongly recommend not omitting this ingredient.
Kitchen Equipment:
The tools needed for the Chicken Salad Chick broccoli salad recipe are simple and likely already present in your kitchen:
1. Small mixing bowl: Used for combining and mixing the wet ingredients to create the dressing.
2. Large mixing bowl: Utilized for placing and combining the broccoli and bacon, and then pouring the final dressing over them.
3. Colander or strainer: Employed for washing and drying the broccoli.
4. Cutting board: Essential for cutting the broccoli.
5. Knife or scissors: Used for cutting both the broccoli and bacon. Either a knife or scissors can be employed.
6. Pan or skillet: Necessary for cooking the bacon. This is not required if using store-bought bacon bits.
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Instructions:
The Chicken Salad Chick broccoli salad recipe is straightforward to follow:
Cut the broccoli into florets:
- Begin by taking fresh broccoli and cutting it into florets.
- Thoroughly wash and rinse the florets, then drain them using a colander. Set them aside to dry while preparing other ingredients.
For tips on cutting broccoli, refer to the frequently asked section below.
Cook the bacon:
- Place bacon in a cold pan and cook over low heat for even cooking.
- Flip the bacon when it buckles and curls.
- Brown it evenly, then transfer to a paper towel to drain excess grease and let it cool.
- Cut the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
Skip this step if using store-bought bacon bits, although cooking bacon yourself is recommended for the best taste.
Combine broccoli, bacon, and cheese:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, crisp-cut bacon, and shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Prepare dressing:
- In a separate small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and lemon juice. Mix well, stirring or whisking until the sugar is dissolved.
Transfer the dressing:
- Pour the well-combined dressing mixture over the broccoli florets, bacon, and cheese. Mix well until the broccoli is thoroughly coated with the delicious dressing.
Store in the refrigerator to chill:
- The final step is to place the bowl in the fridge to chill. This copycat Chicken Salad Chick broccoli salad is best served chilled!
FAQ’s
1. How long can the Chicken Salad Chick broccoli salad be stored?
Refrigerator: Properly stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator, the broccoli salad can last up to 3 days, the recommended storage method. Discard any leftovers after 3 days.
Room temperature: If left out at room temperature, it’s advisable to limit exposure to 2 hours due to the perishable nature of ingredients like mayonnaise and cheese.
Freezer: Long-term storage in the freezer is not recommended as it may affect the taste and quality of the broccoli salad. It’s best enjoyed fresh. Given the quick and easy preparation of this Chicken Salad Chick broccoli salad recipe, there’s no need to freeze it for future consumption!
2. How do we prepare and cut the broccoli?
To separate smaller florets from the thick center stem, start by facing the crown head toward your chopping board. Cut away the smaller stems to remove the florets. For larger pieces, carefully cut through the stem to divide them into 2.
3. What kind of bacon should we use for the Chicken Salad Chick broccoli salad?
Opt for thin-cut bacon to achieve a crispy texture in the salad. Thicker cuts may result in a chewier texture, which is best avoided. Choose bacon with more meat than fat, and if possible, go for natural or nitrate-free options.
4. Is the Chicken Salad Chick broccoli salad healthy?
Broccoli itself is highly nutritious, benefiting digestive health with its fiber and antioxidant content. It’s rich in vitamins and minerals. However, mayonnaise and bacon are calorie-dense and high in fat. You can make the salad healthier by reducing the amount of mayonnaise and bacon.
5. Can you eat the Chicken Salad Chick broccoli salad with other dishes?
Certainly! The broccoli salad serves as an excellent side dish, complementing main dishes like Angus beef, ground pork pasta, or seafood. It’s what makes this dish truly amazing!
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