Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Salad
User Reviews
4.9
Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Salad
Description
This salad highlights fresh broccoli chopped into small pieces to ensure an even texture, combined with cooked, chopped chicken for protein. Shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions are folded in to add savory notes and mild sharpness. Ranch dressing coats the ingredients, providing creaminess and a familiar tangy flavor. Freshly cracked black pepper enhances the overall seasoning.
The salad has a crisp and fresh bite from the broccoli balanced by the soft, rich elements of chicken and cheese. It is versatile in serving: eaten cold as a salad, packed into a tortilla or pita for sandwiches, or grilled into a warm quesadilla where the cheddar melts for a gooey contrast. This flexibility allows it to fit easily into various meal occasions.
A practical feature is that leftovers keep well refrigerated for about 3-4 days, making it suitable for make-ahead meals or snacks. Use any pre-cooked chicken such as rotisserie, grilled, or canned chicken breast when preparing this recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. broccoli $1.89, fresh, about 2 cups chopped
- 1 cup chicken $1.16, chopped, cooked
- 2 oz. cheddar cheese $1.00, shredded, about ½ cup
- 2 green onion $0.25, sliced
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing $0.49
- black pepper $0.05, freshly cracked, to taste
Instructions
- Finely chop the broccoli. It's important that the broccoli pieces be very small. Chop the chicken into small pieces as well.
- Add the broccoli, chopped chicken, shredded cheddar, sliced green onions, and ranch dressing to a large bowl. Stir well until everything is evenly coated in dressing. Add freshly cracked pepper to your liking.
- Serve as is, stuff into a tortilla or pita for a sandwich, or stuff into a tortilla and toast in a skillet until the inside is melted for a quesadilla. Keep any remaining salad refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
Notes
- Any pre-cooked chicken works well, including rotisserie, grilled, or canned chicken breast.
- Leftover salad can be refrigerated and enjoyed within 3-4 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 3about 1 cup each
Amount Per Serving
Calories 36063 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cup | |
| Calories | 360.63kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 13.1g | 4% |
| Protein | 30.4g | 61% |
| Fat | 22.23g | 34% |
| Sodium | 610.43mg | 25% |
| Fiber | 4.17g | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.