Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Combining crunchy broccoli, tender chicken, sharp cheddar, and creamy ranch dressing, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a healthy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. fresh broccoli (about 2 cups chopped)
- 1 cup chopped cooked chicken
- 2 oz. cheddar, shredded (about ½ cup)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- Freshly cracked pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Finely chop the broccoli into very small pieces. Chop the cooked chicken into small pieces as well.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, chicken, shredded cheddar, sliced green onions, and ranch dressing. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 3: Add freshly cracked pepper to taste and mix once more.
- Step 4: Serve the salad as is, stuff it into a tortilla or pita for a sandwich, or stuff it into a tortilla and toast in a skillet for a melted quesadilla.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add some toasted walnuts or pecans.
- Swap ranch dressing for a honey mustard or Greek yogurt-based dressing for a different flavor.
- Use leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken to save time.
Storage
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If using as a filling for quesadillas, assemble and toast just before serving for best results.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this salad?
Fresh broccoli is best to maintain crispness, but you can use thawed frozen broccoli if drained well to avoid excess moisture.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it holds up well refrigerated for several days, making it a convenient option for meal prepping lunches or snacks.
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Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Salad is a quick and delicious dish combining fresh chopped broccoli, tender cooked chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, and green onions, all tossed in a creamy ranch dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, a sandwich filling, or a melty quesadilla, this versatile salad offers a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 lb. fresh broccoli (about 2 cups chopped)
- 1 cup chopped cooked chicken
- 2 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded (about ½ cup)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Chop the Broccoli and Chicken: Finely chop the broccoli into very small pieces to ensure the best texture. Also chop the cooked chicken into small pieces to evenly incorporate into the salad.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the chopped broccoli, chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, and ranch dressing. Stir everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season and Serve: Add freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Serve the salad immediately as is, or use it as a filling for a tortilla or pita sandwich. You can also stuff the filling into a tortilla and toast in a skillet until melted for a warm quesadilla. Store any leftovers refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
Notes
- Ensure broccoli is chopped very finely for better texture and flavor distribution.
- Cooked chicken can be rotisserie, leftover, or pre-cooked chicken breast.
- Ranch dressing can be substituted for your preferred creamy dressing if desired.
- This salad can be served cold or warmed inside a quesadilla.
- Keep leftovers refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (assuming chicken is pre-cooked)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Salad, Chicken Salad, Broccoli Salad, Quick Lunch, Ranch Dressing, Cheddar Cheese, Healthy Salad
