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Chicken salad chick broccoli salad recipe with bacon cheddar creamy dressing in a rustic bowl

Chicken Salad Chick Broccoli Salad Recipe (Easy Copycat)

A creamy, crunchy copycat of the famous Chicken Salad Chick broccoli salad made with fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a sweet tangy dressing. Perfect for quick dinners, meal prep, or potlucks.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Salad
  • 4 cups broccoli florets fresh, chopped small
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • ⅓ cup red onion finely chopped
  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds optional

Dressing

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 –3 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Frying pan
  • small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

Prep the broccoli
  1. Wash and cut broccoli into bite-sized florets. Pat completely dry using a clean towel.
Cook the bacon
  1. Cook bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Let cool, then crumble into small pieces.
Mix the salad base
  1. In a large bowl, combine broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon, red onion, and sunflower seeds.
Make the dressing
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine everything
  1. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix until evenly coated.
Chill before serving
  1. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before serving for best flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh broccoli only—frozen will make the salad soggy.
  • Adjust sugar to taste for the perfect sweet-tangy balance.
  • Letting the salad chill longer improves flavor significantly.
  • For a lighter version, replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.