🥦 Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Copycat Recipe – Creamy, Tangy, and Packed with Crunch
If you’ve ever tried the broccoli salad at Chicken Salad Chick, you already know—it’s not your average veggie side dish. It’s that broccoli salad. The one with crisp florets, sharp cheddar cheese, crunchy bacon, and a creamy-sweet dressing that ties everything together perfectly.
This Chicken Salad Chick broccoli salad copycat captures everything we love about the original. It’s got layers of flavor and texture—sweet, salty, crunchy, creamy—and it somehow turns raw broccoli into one of the most craveable dishes on the table.
Perfect for potlucks, picnics, lunchboxes, or make-ahead sides, this salad is deceptively simple and always a crowd-pleaser. And the best part? It takes less than 15 minutes to throw together.
🧑🍳 Recipe Preparation Equipment
You don’t need much for this recipe, just a few kitchen basics:
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl or mason jar (for dressing)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Salad spinner (optional but helpful)
🛒 Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads), chopped small
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works best)
- ½ small red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6 slices)
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds (optional but authentic)
For the Creamy Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (Duke’s or Hellmann’s for authenticity)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for tang)
Note: Chicken Salad Chick doesn’t list every ingredient, but this copycat version gets very close in flavor and texture.
👨🍳 How to Make Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad
This is a super quick no-cook recipe. All the magic comes from the dressing soaking into the broccoli and the flavor medley of the ingredients.
Step 1: Prep the Broccoli
Wash the broccoli thoroughly. Cut into small bite-sized florets. The smaller, the better—this gives a restaurant-style look and ensures each bite gets coated in the creamy dressing.
Optional: Blanch the broccoli quickly (30 seconds in boiling water, then ice bath) if you want a slightly softer texture.
Step 2: Mix the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, shredded cheese, diced red onion, crumbled bacon, and sunflower seeds. Toss everything together gently with a spatula or clean hands.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, vinegars, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat every piece in the dressing. The more it’s mixed, the better the flavor distribution.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This resting time allows the broccoli to absorb the flavors and softens it slightly.
🔄 Variations
Want to tweak it to suit your taste? Try these popular variations:
- Add dried cranberries or raisins for a sweet chew
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version
- Swap bacon for turkey bacon or veggie bacon
- Add chopped apples or grapes for a fruity twist
- Use white onion or green onions instead of red onion
- Add cooked chicken for a full meal prep salad
🍳 Cooking Note
- Bacon should be crispy for the best texture.
- Make sure broccoli is dry before mixing—excess water waters down the dressing.
- The dressing may seem thick at first, but softens as it melds with the veggies.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This broccoli salad copycat is a star side dish that pairs well with:
- Grilled chicken or BBQ
- Sandwiches or wraps
- Fried chicken or Southern mains
- Quiche or frittatas
- Chicken salad sliders (hello Chicken Salad Chick lunch combo!)
Or serve it solo for a satisfying lunch on its own.
💡 Helpful Tips
- Chop broccoli finely – tiny pieces get better flavor coverage and texture.
- Let it chill – 1–2 hours minimum in the fridge makes a big difference.
- Make ahead – This salad keeps beautifully for 2–3 days.
- Crisp bacon last-minute – For best texture, cook and crumble bacon just before mixing.
- Balance the dressing – Adjust sugar and vinegar to your preferred sweet/tangy ratio.
🌟 Tips for the Best Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad
- Use super fresh broccoli – firm, tight florets have the best crunch.
- Don’t over-dress – coat evenly but don’t drown it; let the broccoli shine.
- Chill it well – flavor improves as it sits.
- Crisp bacon is key – chewy bacon ruins the bite.
- Finely dice onions – large chunks are too strong and overpowering.
- Taste and adjust – everyone’s sweet/tangy balance is a little different.
- Use sharp cheddar – it adds richness without overwhelming.
⏱️ Prep Time:
15 minutes
⏱️ Chill Time:
1–2 hours
⏱️ Total Time:
1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)
🥄 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – approx. ½ cup)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
(Based on base recipe with mayo and bacon)
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day after chilling overnight.
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Not recommended. Frozen broccoli becomes mushy and watery when thawed.
Q: How long will this broccoli salad last in the fridge?
A: 2 to 3 days in an airtight container. After that, the broccoli starts to lose its crispness.
Q: What kind of bacon is best?
A: Thick-cut, crispy bacon adds the best texture and flavor.
Q: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as all ingredients (especially bacon and mayo) are gluten-free.
Q: Can I add protein to make it a main dish?
A: Absolutely! Chopped chicken, turkey, or even hard-boiled eggs work great.
✅ Conclusion
Whether you’re a die-hard Chicken Salad Chick fan or just love a killer broccoli salad, this copycat recipe hits the mark. With its crunchy texture, creamy tangy dressing, and bits of cheddar and bacon, it’s a side that steals the spotlight.
Easy to whip up, make-ahead friendly, and endlessly customizable—this dish belongs in your regular rotation. Make a batch for your next potluck, picnic, or weekday lunch and watch it disappear fast!
