Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad

Why make this recipe

There are many reasons to make a Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad at home. First, it’s a fresh and crunchy side dish that pairs well with many meals. The blend of broccoli, cheese, and bacon bits creates a delightful mix of flavors and textures that everyone enjoys. It’s also a popular item at many gatherings, so making it yourself allows you to share this deliciousness with friends and family. Plus, making it from scratch means you can control the ingredients, ensuring it’s made just the way you like it.

How to make Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad

Making this broccoli salad is simple and quick. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a scrumptious side dish in no time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise (I recommend using Duke’s)
  • 3 1/2 cups broccoli florets (or one medium head of broccoli chopped)
  • 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar (I recommend grating it yourself, if possible)
  • 1/4 cup grated mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup bacon bits
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Directions:

  1. In a bowl, combine the sugar and apple cider vinegar.
  2. Stir in the mayonnaise and whisk together until smooth.
  3. Add the broccoli to the mixture, then stir well to ensure everything is combined.
  4. Next, add the cheese and bacon bits. Mix again.
  5. Refrigerate the salad for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors mingle.

How to serve Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad

Serving the Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad is delightful and versatile. This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings. Consider placing it in a large serving bowl and garnishing it with a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese or crispy bacon bits on top for an appealing presentation. It’s also great as a side dish to complement grilled chicken, burgers, or sandwiches.

How to store Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad

If you have leftovers, storing them properly will keep your salad fresh. Place the broccoli salad in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should stay good for about 3-5 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as some of the ingredients may settle. However, keep in mind that the freshness of the broccoli may change slightly after a couple of days.

Tips to make Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best taste, always try to use fresh broccoli, quality cheeses, and real bacon bits. Fresh ingredients significantly enhance the flavor and texture of your salad.
  2. Grate Your Cheese: Grating cheese yourself is worth the effort. Pre-shredded cheese can contain additives that might affect the melt and taste. Freshly grated cheese gives a better flavor and texture.
  3. Adjust the Sweetness: The recipe calls for sugar, but if you prefer a less sweet salad, you can reduce the amount or leave it out altogether. The apple cider vinegar adds a nice tang that helps balance flavors.
  4. Add More Veggies: Feel free to get creative! You can mix in other vegetables like diced red onions, bell peppers, or even some sliced almonds for added crunch.

Variation

This Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad is quite flexible. You can tweak it to suit your tastes. For example, if you’re looking for a healthier version, you could swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. This will make the salad creamier without all the calories of mayonnaise. Additionally, you can use different types of cheese such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or leave out the cheese entirely for a dairy-free option.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess water before mixing them into the salad.

2. How can I make this salad gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the bacon bits and any other added ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

3. Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the salad a day before you plan to serve it. Just store it in the fridge covered, and it will taste even better as the flavors mingle.

By following this guide, you can easily create a wonderful Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy your delicious salad!

Print

Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad

A fresh and crunchy broccoli salad featuring a delightful mix of broccoli, cheese, and bacon bits, perfect for gatherings.

  • Author: Alexandra Roa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise (preferably Duke’s)
  • 3 1/2 cups broccoli florets (or one medium head of broccoli chopped)
  • 1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup bacon bits
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine the sugar and apple cider vinegar.
  2. Stir in the mayonnaise and whisk together until smooth.
  3. Add the broccoli to the mixture, then stir well to ensure everything is combined.
  4. Next, add the cheese and bacon bits. Mix again.
  5. Refrigerate the salad for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors mingle.

Notes

For best taste, use fresh ingredients and grate cheese yourself. You can customize the salad with additional veggies or reduce sweetness as desired.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: broccoli salad, side dish, chicken salad chick, party food

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