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
Scale
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
