This Loaded Chicken & Broccoli Salad is a meal-prep dream! Packed with lean protein, crisp broccoli, cheddar cheese, crunchy bacon, red onions, and a creamy Greek yogurt or mayo-based dressing, it’s hearty, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for lunchboxes, potlucks, or post-workout meals. Make it once, crave it all week!
Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
✨ Why You’ll Love This
✔ 35g protein per serving
✔ No soggy broccoli (raw & crunchy!)
✔ 3 ways to serve (salad, wrap, or bowl)
Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment:
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Whisk
Instructions
Step 1: Blanch the broccoli.
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender-crisp. Immediately transfer the broccoli to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain well.
Step 2: Combine salad ingredients.
In a large bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, and sunflower seeds.
Step 3: Make the dressing.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar (or honey), salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 4: Dress the salad.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss gently until everything is well coated.
Step 5: Chill and serve.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
📊 Nutrition
Calories 380
Protein 35g
Net Carbs 8g
Fiber 4g
💡 5 Meal-Prep Hacks
- Jar salads: Layer dressing → chicken → broccoli → toppings
- Freeze chicken: Cook in bulk with lemon pepper seasoning
- Kid-friendly: Swap onions for shredded carrots
- Low-fat: Use cottage cheese instead of yogurt
- Vegan option: Chickpeas + vegan ranch
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Lunchbox Style
- Stuff in whole wheat pita with spinach
- Dinner Upgrade
- Top with fried egg + sriracha
- Party Platter
- Serve in endive leaves as appetizers
Enjoy your delicious homemade Loaded Chicken & Broccoli Salad!
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