Broccoli And Chicken Salad
A vibrant and healthy salad combining tender poached chicken, crisp blanched broccoli, and a creamy dill mayonnaise dressing, perfect for light lunches or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut and clean the broccoli heads.
- Blanch the broccoli in water with 2 tablespoons of olive oil for 5 minutes.
- Drain the broccoli and chill.
- Poach the chicken breasts, then drain and chill.
- In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, mayonnaise, crushed dill seed, minced garlic, chopped scallions, salt, and pepper.
- Add the blanched broccoli and chopped chicken to the dressing.
- Mix well and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider replacing half of the cottage cheese with Greek yogurt. If you want to add more flavor, try using fresh dill instead of crushed dill seed. Adjust the garlic to your taste; if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount. This salad can also benefit from a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli and Chicken Salad is perfect as a light lunch or dinner. Serve it on a bed of mixed greens for added crunch, or pair it with whole-grain crackers. It goes well with a side of fresh fruit or a light soup, like Veggie Chowder, for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a microwave or a skillet over low heat, but avoid reheating the salad itself, as it’s best served cold. If the salad looks dry upon serving, stir in a bit more mayonnaise.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli And Chicken Salad contains roughly 691 calories, with 10g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2451mg per serving (107% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the salad. It may not have the same crunch as fresh broccoli, but it will still taste great.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and consider adding chickpeas or tofu for protein. You can also include other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Absolutely! This salad can be prepared a day ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain freshness. Combine everything just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).