Broccoli Salad with Chicken
Indulge in a vibrant and flavorful Broccoli Salad that’s sure to impress at any gathering! This delightful dish combines crunchy broccoli florets with sweet cranberries, roasted sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing that ties everything together. Instead of traditional bacon, you’ll use grilled chicken or chickpeas for a satisfying protein punch. Perfect for summer barbecues or as a side for holiday feasts, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also makes for great meal prep. The combination of textures and flavors will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing/Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 heads broccoli (about 1 and 1/2 pounds or 5–6 cups)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup roasted sunflower seeds
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 1 & 1/4 cups mayonnaise
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons white grape juice vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the protein: Cook grilled chicken or crispy chickpeas until golden.
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients (mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, white grape juice vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper) in a bowl until smooth.
- Chop broccoli into small florets and add them to the bowl along with cranberries, sunflower seeds, cheddar cheese, red onion, and most of the cooked protein.
- Toss everything together until well combined.
- Chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving to let flavors meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Find it online: https://www.weekmealideas.com/broccoli-salad-with-bacon-recipe/