Description of this recipe:
This Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad recipe brings the beloved classic to your kitchen. It’s a delightful combination of fresh broccoli florets, sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, crispy bacon bits, and a tangy-sweet dressing, all harmonizing to create a side dish that’s both flavorful and texturally satisfying. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a simple weekday meal, this salad is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. It captures the essence of the original Chicken Salad Chick version, offering a balanced mix of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements that will tantalize your taste buds.
Why you will love this recipe:
This broccoli salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s incredibly versatile, pairing well with grilled chicken, sandwiches, or even as a standalone light lunch. The combination of textures – the crunch of the broccoli, the chewiness of the bacon, and the creamy dressing – is simply irresistible. The sweet and tangy dressing perfectly complements the savory ingredients, creating a balanced flavor profile that will leave you wanting more. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra vegetables, making it a healthy and delicious choice for the whole family. This recipe is quick, easy, and requires minimal cooking, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a last-minute side dish. Its customizable nature allows you to adjust the ingredients to your liking, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise (Duke’s recommended)
- 3 ½ cups broccoli florets (one medium head, chopped)
- ½ cup grated sharp cheddar (freshly grated recommended)
- ¼ cup grated mozzarella
- ¼ cup bacon bits
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sugar and apple cider vinegar. This step is crucial for creating the base of the dressing. The sugar will dissolve in the vinegar, creating a sweet and tangy flavor that will balance the richness of the mayonnaise and the savory ingredients. Use a whisk to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
Step 2: Add the mayonnaise to the bowl and whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Duke’s mayonnaise is recommended for its rich flavor and creamy texture, but any good quality mayonnaise will work. The mayonnaise provides the base for the dressing, adding a creamy element that coats the broccoli and other ingredients, bringing them together in a cohesive and flavorful way.
Step 3: Add the broccoli florets to the bowl. Ensure the broccoli is chopped into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. Fresh broccoli is the star of this salad, providing a healthy dose of vitamins and a satisfying crunch. The broccoli should be vibrant green and firm to the touch, indicating its freshness. Thoroughly mix the broccoli with the dressing, ensuring each floret is coated with the creamy mixture.
Step 4: Add the grated sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the bowl. Freshly grated cheese is recommended for its superior flavor and texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly and can also affect the overall texture of the salad. The sharp cheddar provides a bold, savory flavor that complements the sweetness of the dressing, while the mozzarella adds a mild, creamy element that balances the sharpness of the cheddar.
Step 5: Add the bacon bits to the bowl and gently stir to combine all ingredients. Real bacon bits are preferred for their authentic smoky flavor, but pre-packaged bacon bits can also be used for convenience. The bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor and a satisfying crunch that enhances the overall taste and texture of the salad. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cheese to clump together and the broccoli to become soggy.
Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed to enhance the flavors. Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients and balancing the sweetness of the dressing. Start with a small amount of salt and pepper and add more to taste, ensuring the salad is not overly salty or bland.
Step 7: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the broccoli to soften slightly, creating a more harmonious and flavorful salad. Refrigerating the salad also helps to keep it fresh and prevents the mayonnaise from separating. If you’re preparing the salad in advance, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
COOKING Rating: Easy
Serving Suggestions:
This Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. It’s perfect served alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, or hamburgers. It also makes a delicious addition to sandwiches, wraps, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. For a complete meal, serve the broccoli salad with a cup of soup or a side of fruit. It’s also a great option for potlucks, barbecues, and picnics, as it’s easy to transport and can be made ahead of time.
Tips:
- For best results, use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Freshly grated cheese has a better flavor and texture than pre-shredded cheese.
- Duke’s mayonnaise is recommended for its rich flavor and creamy texture, but any good quality mayonnaise will work.
- Real bacon bits are preferred for their authentic smoky flavor, but pre-packaged bacon bits can also be used for convenience.
- Do not overmix the salad, as this can cause the cheese to clump together and the broccoli to become soggy.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- The salad can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- If you prefer a sweeter salad, add a little more sugar to the dressing.
- If you prefer a tangier salad, add a little more apple cider vinegar to the dressing.
- For a spicier salad, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- You can add other ingredients to the salad, such as dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, or chopped red onion.
- To keep the broccoli crisp, consider blanching it for a minute in boiling water then immediately cooling it in an ice bath before chopping and adding to the salad. This helps retain its vibrant color and crunch.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes + 30 minutes chilling time
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 per serving
- Protein: Approximately 10-12 grams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 300-400 mg per serving
Conclusion:
This Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its combination of fresh broccoli, sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, crispy bacon, and tangy-sweet dressing, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a potluck, barbecue, or simply as a side dish for a weeknight meal, this broccoli salad is a guaranteed hit. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy this delightful twist on a classic salad!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, absolutely! In fact, it’s even better when made ahead of time. You can prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more cohesive and flavorful salad. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent the broccoli from drying out.
Q2: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
A: While fresh broccoli is recommended for its superior flavor and texture, you can use frozen broccoli in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw the broccoli completely and pat it dry before adding it to the salad. This will help prevent the salad from becoming watery.
Q3: Can I substitute the mayonnaise with something else?
A: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a combination of Greek yogurt and light mayonnaise. This will reduce the fat content of the salad without sacrificing the creamy texture.
Q4: Can I add other ingredients to this salad?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to add other ingredients to suit your taste. Some popular additions include dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, chopped red onion, or even diced apples.
Q5: How long will this salad last in the refrigerator?
A: This broccoli salad will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, as long as it is stored in an airtight container. After 3 days, the broccoli may start to lose its crispness, and the dressing may start to separate.
