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Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

Broccoli Salad {Chicken Salad Chick Copycat}

Published: Aug 7, 2022 by Scott · This post may contain affiliate links.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This broccoli salad features bacon, cranberries, red onion, sunflower seeds, and cheddar cheese all tossed in a sweet and tangy dressing. It's a copycat of Chicken Salad Chick's broccoli salad and it makes a great side dish for your next meal.

A large serving bowl filled with broccoli salad.
Jump to:
  • Why this recipe works
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Dressing Ingredient Notes
  • How to Make Broccoli Salad Dressing
  • Step by Step Instructions
  • What to Serve with Broccoli Salad
  • Recipe Tips and FAQs
  • More Side Dish Recipes
  • 📖 Recipe
  • You may also like

Why this recipe works

Creamy broccoli salad is a great side dish for many occasions. From casual summer barbecues to a more formal Easter or Mother's Day brunch, the crisp broccoli, tangy-sweet dressing, and flavorful toppings are a perfect combination.

This broccoli salad recipe is a copycat version of the popular side dish at Chicken Salad Chick. If you're not familiar, it's a fast-casual restaurant chain serving, you guessed it, chicken salad!

Their version is delicious and it's a great option for a healthy-ish side dish when dining out. My copycat version adds a few more toppings such as sunflower seeds and dried cranberries for an extra boost of flavor.

Ingredient Notes

  • Broccoli - Fresh broccoli is best for this broccoli salad recipe. Frozen will not have the same texture. Be sure to trim the florets into small, bite-sized pieces, around an inch each.
  • Cheese - I prefer to use thick-cut shredded cheese in this dish over the finely shredded type.
  • Bacon - I recommend making your own bacon for the best results, but if you're in a time crunch you can buy precooked bacon strips. They're often found in the deli section of grocery stores. I do not recommend bacon bits.
Broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, diced red onion, and crumbled bacon shown arranged on a countertop.

Dressing Ingredient Notes

  • Apple Cider Vinegar - I think the tang from apple cider vinegar is perfect in this dish, but you can substitute white vinegar if you prefer.
  • Mayonnaise - I recommend using real full-fat mayonnaise. Light versions and sandwich spreads like Miracle Whip will not have the same flavor.
Ingredients for broccoli salad dressing shown arranged on a countertop.

How to Make Broccoli Salad Dressing

This broccoli salad dressing is a little tangy from the mayonnaise and cider vinegar and a little sweet from the sugar, but the combination is perfect with the crisp broccoli and toppings. To make the dressing:

  1. Combine all of the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until smooth.
Prepared dressing for broccoli salad shown in a mixing bowl.

Step by Step Instructions

  1. After you've prepared the dressing, add your broccoli to a large mixing bowl. Add around ¾ of the dressing and stir to combine. If it still seems too dry add more dressing until all of the broccoli is well coated.
  2. Add all of the toppings and stir until just combined. If you over mix the toppings will tend to sink to the bottom.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to overnight to allow the flavors to combine. Stir again just before serving.
Broccoli florets in a mixing bowl coated with dressing.
A mixing bowl filled with broccoli and the broccoli salad toppings are added on top.

What to Serve with Broccoli Salad

This tangy sweet broccoli salad is a perfect side dish for lunch or dinner. I love to serve this as a healthier side dish option for barbecues and summer cookouts. Some of my favorite pairings are:

  • Spinach and Feta Turkey Burgers
  • Smoked Whole Chicken
  • Grilled Chicken Legs
Overhead image of the finished broccoli salad in a serving bowl.

Recipe Tips and FAQs

How to store broccoli salad

Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Should I cook the broccoli for broccoli salad

It is not necessary to cook the broccoli when making a broccoli salad. The dressing will soften the broccoli a bit as it sits. If you're not a fan of raw broccoli you can blanch it in boiling water for a minute or two. Allow the broccoli to cool and dry it thoroughly to avoid watery broccoli salad.

More Side Dish Recipes

  • Hawaiian Mac Salad
  • Creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese
  • Corn Salsa with Avocado
  • Grilled Broccolini
  • Instant Pot Baked Beans

If you try this recipe, don't forget to leave a RATING or COMMENT below. I would love to hear from you!!! And FOLLOW me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram for all the latest recipes!

📖 Recipe

Broccoli Salad Recipe

This tasty broccoli salad side dish features bacon, cranberries, red onion, sunflower seeds, and cheddar cheese tossed in a sweet and tangy dressing.
Author: Scott
4.67 from 3 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 370kcal

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Chefs Knife
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cups
  • Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls

Ingredients

  • 7-8 cups broccoli florets, around 3-4 heads
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ⅔ cup dried cranberries
  • ¾ cup crumbled bacon, 3-4 slices
  • ½ cup sunflower seeds
  • ⅓ cup red onion, diced

Dressing

  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  • Combine all of the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and stir until smooth.
  • Add the broccoli to a large mixing bowl. Pour the ¾ of the dressing over top and stir until the broccoli is well coated. If the broccoli seems too dry add more of the dressing until it is all coated.
  • Add the cheese, cranberries, bacon, sunflower seeds, and onion then stir gently until just combined. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, up to overnight. Stir again just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 370kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 11gFat: 26gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 376mgFiber: 4gSugar: 17g

* All nutrition information we provide are estimates based on third party calculators. We encourage you to calculate these on your own for accurate results.

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Don't forget to leave a rating above and mention @disheswithdad or tag #disheswithdad on social media!

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About Me

Hello, I'm Scott! ! I'm a former professional cook and a long-time home cook. I created this space to share my favorite quick and easy, family-friendly recipes and hopefully inspire you to try some of them for yourself!

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