Description
Savor Mediterranean-inspired Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Salad with its harmonious blend of tender chicken and crisp vegetables. Rich flavors and nutritious ingredients combine to create a delightful meal you’ll eagerly enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
Vegetables:
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup red onion
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup celery
Dressing and Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds or walnuts
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare protein and vegetables by shredding cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and chopping broccoli into small, uniform florets. For optimal texture, lightly steam broccoli for 2-3 minutes or keep raw for extra crunch.
- Finely dice red onion, shred carrots, and chop celery into consistent, small pieces. If using, roughly chop nuts and set dried cranberries aside.
- Create creamy dressing by whisking Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and honey in a medium bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
- Season dressing with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more yogurt or mayo for desired creaminess.
- Combine protein, vegetables, and optional nuts in a large mixing bowl. Pour prepared dressing over ingredients and gently toss to ensure even coating.
- Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins for a sweet flavor contrast, mixing thoroughly to distribute evenly throughout the salad.
- Refrigerate salad for minimum 30 minutes at 40°F to allow flavors to develop and meld. Serve chilled and enjoy the complex, creamy texture.
Notes
- Swap chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content and creamy texture.
- Steam broccoli briefly to retain vibrant green color and maximize nutritional value without losing crispness.
- Customize dressing thickness by adjusting Greek yogurt and mayonnaise ratios for lighter or richer consistency.
- Enhance meal prep by preparing salad ingredients ahead and storing separately to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg