Easy Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad You Can Make Today

Have you ever found yourself at Chicken Salad Chick, ordering your favorite scoop, but thinking the real star of the plate is that incredible broccoli salad? You’re not alone. That perfect combination of crunchy, creamy, sweet, and tangy is downright addictive, and it’s the side dish that has everyone talking.

You’ve probably wondered if you could replicate that magic at home. Maybe you’ve tried other broccoli salad recipes, but they just didn’t hit the mark. They were either too bland, too watery, or the dressing was just… off. It’s frustrating when you’re craving that specific, signature flavor and can’t seem to get it right.

Here’s the great news: you can stop searching. This copycat Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad is the perfect side dish, combining crunchy broccoli, crispy bacon, and two types of cheese in a creamy, sweet, and tangy dressing. It’s a surprisingly easy-to-make recipe that brings the fan-favorite flavor you love right into your own kitchen, and we’re going to walk you through it step-by-step.

Craving That Famous Broccoli Salad from Chicken Salad Chick?

The secret to recreating this beloved side dish lies in perfectly balancing the simple ingredients. This copycat Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad recipe nails that balance, giving you the crunchy broccoli, savory bacon, and rich cheese all coated in that signature sweet and tangy dressing. It’s the easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe you’ve been looking for.

After trying the real deal countless times, I was on a mission to perfectly recreate that addictive sweet and tangy dressing at home. I tested and tweaked every component, from the type of cheese to the exact ratio of vinegar and honey. This recipe is the delicious result of that mission, and it tastes just like the restaurant version.

It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for every potluck, BBQ, or weeknight dinner dilemma. It’s reliable, always a hit, and brings a little bit of that cherished restaurant experience to your table.

Why This Copycat Recipe Works

This recipe is the best because it focuses on the three elements that make the original so irresistible: flavor balance, texture, and simplicity. By using fresh ingredients and a carefully measured dressing, it consistently delivers the authentic Chicken Salad Chick experience. I’ve refined this recipe to ensure it’s not just close—it’s a spot-on match.

• Perfect Flavor Balance: The heart of this salad is the dressing. We’ve cracked the code on the sweet-to-tangy ratio, using a combination of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey. It creates that signature flavor that is both refreshing and rich without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Incredibly Easy to Make: Don’t let the amazing taste fool you; this recipe is straightforward and uses simple, accessible ingredients. There are no complicated techniques here, just basic chopping and mixing. It’s a perfect recipe for cooks of all skill levels.
• The Ultimate Crunchy Texture: The magic is in the texture combination. We use fresh, raw broccoli for a superior crunch, paired with salty, crispy bacon and freshly grated cheese that melts into the dressing. Every bite is a satisfying mix of creamy and crunchy.
• A Proven Crowd-Pleaser: I’ve served this at countless family dinners, potlucks, and summer barbecues, and it’s the first bowl to be emptied every single time. It’s a reliable, make-ahead side dish that you can count on to impress your guests.

How to Make Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad in 5 Simple Steps

The 5 essential steps to making this perfect copycat Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad are: 1. Prepare the Bacon & Broccoli, 2. Whisk the Creamy Dressing, 3. Grate the Cheeses, 4. Combine All Ingredients, and 5. Chill and Serve for the best flavor. Following this foolproof process guarantees a delicious, restaurant-quality result every time.

This isn’t just a list of instructions; it’s a tested method designed for success. We’ll break down each step to ensure you feel confident and end up with a salad that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Ready to see how it’s done?

@foodlovinfamily

🥦🥦 Copycat Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Recipe is a delicious side dish! This boccoli salad recipe is simple to make and peefect for BBQ’s, potlucks, holidays, and more. #broccolisalad #chickensaladchick #sidedish #potluckideas #broccoli

♬ original sound – foodlovinfamily

1. Prepare Your Core Ingredients

To start, you will prepare the foundational ingredients by cooking the bacon until crisp, chopping fresh broccoli into bite-sized pieces, and freshly grating your cheese. This prep work is crucial for achieving the signature textures of the salad.

Ingredients:

• 6-8 cups fresh broccoli florets (from about 2 medium heads)
• 6-8 strips thick-cut bacon
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, from a block
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, from a block

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Bacon: Cook your bacon until perfectly crispy. You can do this in a skillet on the stovetop, but my favorite method is baking. Lay the strips on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until desired crispiness is reached. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and cool completely. Once cool, crumble it into small, bite-sized pieces.
2. Broccoli: Wash the fresh broccoli crowns and dry them thoroughly. This is a key step—excess water will make your dressing thin and your salad soggy. Chop the florets off the thick stems and then cut them into small, uniform, bite-sized pieces. You want them small enough to easily get a bit of everything in one forkful.
3. Cheese: The secret to a truly creamy salad is freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses are coated in anti-caking agents like potato starch, which can give the dressing a gritty texture. Using a box grater, freshly grate the blocks of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese. The combination of sharp, tangy cheddar and mild, creamy mozzarella is perfect.

Pro Tip: For perfectly crisp bacon every time, bake it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. The air circulates around the bacon, rendering the fat beautifully without any soggy spots. It’s a hands-off method that produces consistent results.

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2. Whisk the Signature Sweet & Tangy Dressing

The signature dressing is made by whisking together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a sweetener like honey until it’s completely smooth and creamy. This simple combination is the key to achieving the authentic, tangy-yet-sweet flavor profile of the original.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s or Hellmann’s are recommended for authentic flavor)
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup honey (or granulated sugar)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. In a small or medium-sized mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey (or sugar, if you prefer). Using honey results in a smoother, more liquid dressing, while sugar will dissolve but can sometimes require more whisking.
2. Sprinkle in the salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Whisk everything together vigorously. Continue whisking until the dressing is completely smooth, glossy, and well-blended. You shouldn’t see any lumps from the mayo or grains of sugar. The consistency should be pourable but still thick enough to coat the broccoli.

Pro Tip: The key to the authentic flavor is balancing the sweet and tangy notes. Taste the dressing before you pour it on the salad! If you prefer it a little sweeter, add a touch more honey. For a sharper tang, add a tiny splash more of apple cider vinegar. Adjusting it to your personal preference is what makes homemade so great.

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3. Combine the Salad

To assemble the salad, you will gently fold the prepared broccoli, grated cheeses, and most of the crumbled bacon into the dressing in a large bowl. The goal is to thoroughly coat every ingredient without crushing the delicate broccoli florets.

Materials Needed:

• One large mixing bowl
• A large rubber spatula or spoon

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. In your large mixing bowl, add the chopped broccoli florets, the freshly grated sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and about two-thirds of the crumbled bacon. It’s tempting to add it all now, but trust me—reserving some bacon for the garnish is a game-changer.
2. Pour the prepared sweet and tangy dressing evenly over the broccoli mixture in the bowl.
3. Using a large rubber spatula, gently fold and toss all the ingredients together. Scrape from the bottom of the bowl and fold it over the top. Continue this motion until the broccoli, cheese, and bacon are thoroughly and evenly coated in the creamy dressing.

Lesson Learned: Don’t add all the bacon now! In my first few attempts, I mixed it all in at once. I learned that saving a little to sprinkle on top just before serving keeps it extra crispy and makes the final dish look much more appealing and professional. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

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4. Chill for Maximum Flavor

The most critical step for flavor development is to cover the salad tightly and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30-60 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together and the dressing to fully permeate the broccoli.

Materials Needed:

• Plastic wrap or an airtight lid for your bowl

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Cover the large bowl of broccoli salad tightly with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap against the surface of the salad to prevent a skin from forming, or secure it with an airtight lid.
2. Place the covered bowl in the refrigerator to chill for a minimum of 30-60 minutes. This gives the ingredients a chance to get acquainted.
3. For the absolute best, most authentic flavor, I highly recommend chilling it for at least 4 hours, or even overnight. This extended time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The broccoli softens just slightly from the vinegar in the dressing, but it maintains its signature crunch.

Pro Tip: Chilling is not an optional step! This is where the magic happens. The vinegar and honey in the dressing need time to work their way into the nooks and crannies of the broccoli florets, creating that signature flavor in every bite. Don’t skip it, even if you’re in a hurry. The patience pays off in taste.

Save this make-ahead tip for your next party!

5. Garnish and Serve

When you are ready to eat, the final step is to garnish the chilled salad with the remaining crispy bacon and serve it immediately. This ensures the best possible texture and presentation.

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. When you’re ready to serve, remove the chilled broccoli salad from the refrigerator.
2. Give the salad one final, gentle stir to redistribute the dressing.
3. Transfer the salad from the mixing bowl to your final serving dish or platter.
4. Sprinkle the reserved crispy crumbled bacon generously over the top. This adds a final layer of crunch and great visual appeal.
5. Serve immediately as the perfect side dish for grilled chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, burgers, or as a star player in a potluck or holiday spread.

Storage Instructions:

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. The broccoli will soften slightly over time, but it will still be tasty. This salad should not be frozen.

Pro Tip: For a potluck or party, I always transport the chilled salad and the reserved bacon in two separate containers. I sprinkle the bacon on top right before setting it on the food table. It guarantees that “wow” factor with perfectly crispy bacon and a fresh-looking dish, even hours after you’ve made it.

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Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Perfect Copycat Broccoli Salad

To ensure your homemade broccoli salad is a smashing success every time, keep these five crucial tips in mind. They are the difference between a good salad and a great one.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: This is non-negotiable for texture. Always use fresh, raw broccoli, never frozen. The crunch is the star of the show.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Step away from the pre-shredded bag. Grating cheese from a block ensures a creamier, smoother dressing because it doesn’t have the anti-caking powders that can make a dressing gritty.
• Balance the Dressing: The sweet and tangy combination is essential. Don’t skip the honey or sugar, as it’s crucial for balancing the sharp bite of the apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust!
• Chill Before Serving: Patience is a virtue, especially here. Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30-60 minutes (and ideally longer) is what allows the flavors to fully meld and develop.
• Add Bacon Last: For maximum crispiness and visual appeal, mix most of the bacon into the salad but always reserve a generous amount to sprinkle on top just before serving.

People Also Ask About Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad

What dressing is on Chicken Salad Chick broccoli salad?

The dressing on Chicken Salad Chick’s broccoli salad is a simple but delicious sweet and tangy vinaigrette with a creamy base. It’s made by whisking together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a sweetener like honey or sugar. Salt and pepper are added to round out the flavors, creating a dressing that perfectly coats the crunchy broccoli, cheese, and bacon.

How many calories are in broccoli salad at Chicken Salad Chick?

While official counts can vary slightly, a standard side portion (around 4 oz) of the original Chicken Salad Chick broccoli salad contains approximately 170-200 calories. This homemade copycat version will have a similar nutritional profile, with most of the calories coming from the energy-dense ingredients like the mayonnaise-based dressing, cheese, and bacon.

Can I make broccoli salad ahead of time?

Yes, broccoli salad is an excellent make-ahead dish! In fact, it tastes even better when made a few hours or even a day in advance. This allows the flavors in the dressing to fully develop and meld with the broccoli. For the best texture, store it in an airtight container in the fridge and add the crispy bacon just before you serve it.

Final Thoughts

Now you have the secret to one of Chicken Salad Chick’s most beloved and iconic sides! This easy, crowd-pleasing broccoli salad is ready to become a staple at all your gatherings, from summer cookouts to holiday dinners. There’s a special kind of satisfaction that comes from recreating a restaurant favorite perfectly in your own kitchen.

Enjoy the delicious crunch, the creamy dressing, and the compliments that are sure to follow.

What will you be serving it with first? Let us know in the comments below