Before diving into the delicious world of Broccoli Salad from Chicken Salad Chick, let’s talk about perfect pairings. This dish shines alongside hearty main courses. Grilled chicken or steak complements the vibrant flavors excellently. For a plant-based meal, consider pairing it with a veggie burger or a hearty lentil loaf. Additionally, it’s fantastic as a standalone dish for a light lunch.
If you’re here, you’re probably on the hunt for a scrumptious broccoli salad recipe. Have you tried the one from Chicken Salad Chick? It’s a game-changer. Today, I’m excited to walk you through how to make this fantastic dish at home. Ready to impress your folks at the next gathering? Let’s get started!
What is Broccoli Salad from Chicken Salad Chick?
Broccoli Salad from Chicken Salad Chick is a mouthwatering mix of crunchy broccoli, savory bacon, and tangy apple cider reduction. Toss in some cheese and creamy mayo dressing, and you’ve got yourself a winner. It’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors that delights the palate.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
Imagine a bite of crunch, a hint of smokiness from the bacon, and a tangy-sweet kick from the cider reduction. Sound lovely? The creamy dressing ties everything together with an irresistible smoothness. This dish balances sweet and savory perfectly, making it addictive from the first bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Seriously, what’s not to love? It’s quick to make, full of fresh ingredients, and great for any occasion. Plus, it’s incredibly customizable. Add or subtract ingredients based on your taste or pantry availability. It’s a fantastic way to get everyone eating their greens without complaint.
Ingredients
Ready to gather your ingredients? Here’s what you’ll need:
- 6-8 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 8 strips of bacon, crisped and crumbled
- ½ cup whole milk mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup aged sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup apple cider reduction
- ¼ cup clover honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
First things first, gather all your ingredients. It makes the cooking process smoother. Chop the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. Crisp up your bacon and crumble it. Shred the cheeses if not already done.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider reduction, clover honey, smoked paprika, black pepper, and sea salt. Mix well until it’s smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine the Main Ingredients
In a larger bowl, toss the broccoli, bacon, and shredded cheeses together. Pour the dressing over this mixture and stir until well combined.
Step 4: Chill the Salad
For best results, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, give it a quick stir and serve. Watch the smiles appear as everyone digs in.
Tips & Tricks
To up your broccoli salad game, here are some helpful tips:
- Quality Bacon: Use good quality, thick-cut bacon for the best flavor and crunch.
- Pre-Chill Your Ingredients: Chilling the broccoli and cheeses before combining makes the salad even more refreshing.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of honey.
- Extra Crunch: Add sunflower seeds or chopped nuts for an extra crunch.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen.
Nutrition Information
How Can You Store This Broccoli Salad?
Got leftovers? No problem. Store the broccoli salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. Just give it a good stir before serving it again. If the salad becomes too dry, add a little extra mayo.
Alternative Ingredient Choices
If some of the ingredients are not available, here are some substitutions you can consider:
- Broccoli Florets: Swap out for cauliflower florets or a mix of both for a different texture.
- Bacon: Opt for turkey bacon or a vegetarian bacon substitute for a lighter or plant-based option.
- Cheese: Use feta or blue cheese for a tangier flavor if aged sharp cheddar is unavailable.
How to make broccoli salad from chicken salad chick
Equipment
- Bowl
- Whisk
- Larger bowl
Ingredients
- ½ cup whole milk mozzarella cheese shredded
- 8 strips bacon crisped and crumbled
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- 6-8 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup clover honey
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ cup apple cider reduction
- ½ cup aged sharp cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- First things first, gather all your ingredients. It makes the cooking process smoother. Chop the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. Crisp up your bacon and crumble it. Shred the cheeses if not already done.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider reduction, clover honey, smoked paprika, black pepper, and sea salt. Mix well until it’s smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine the Main Ingredients
- In a larger bowl, toss the broccoli, bacon, and shredded cheeses together. Pour the dressing over this mixture and stir until well combined.
Step 4: Chill the Salad
- For best results, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Once chilled, give it a quick stir and serve. Watch the smiles appear as everyone digs in.
Notes
- Quality Bacon: Use good quality, thick-cut bacon for the best flavor and crunch.
- Pre-Chill Your Ingredients: Chilling the broccoli and cheeses before combining makes the salad even more refreshing.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of honey.
- Extra Crunch: Add sunflower seeds or chopped nuts for an extra crunch.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can! Replace the bacon with a plant-based version, use vegan mayonnaise, and choose dairy-free cheese alternatives.
2. How can I make the apple cider reduction at home?
Simmer apple cider on medium heat until it reduces to a syrupy consistency. It takes about 30-40 minutes.
3. Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Chopped bell peppers, red onions, and even shredded carrots can be lovely additions.
4. What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt is a great substitute for mayo, offering a tangy twist and additional protein.
5. How do I ensure my broccoli stays crunchy?
Blanching the broccoli briefly before use can help. Submerge the florets in boiling water for a minute, then transfer to ice water immediately.
Conclusion
Making the Broccoli Salad from Chicken Salad Chick at home is a breeze and incredibly rewarding. Not only is it packed with flavor and nutrition, but it’s also versatile and customizable. Perfect for gatherings or a delightful lunch, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try and enjoy the crunchy, savory goodness!
Happy cooking! Bon appétit!
