This isn't your grandma's chicken salad. While we honor the classic comfort of creamy chicken salad, this recipe elevates the dish with a vibrant, crunchy broccoli slaw, creating a lighter, healthier, and surprisingly flavorful meal. Perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or even a satisfying snack, this chicken salad with broccoli slaw is a recipe you'll want to make again and again.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy richness and refreshing lightness. The creamy chicken salad base is still present, but the addition of broccoli slaw adds a delightful textural contrast and a boost of vitamins. It's a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste. Plus, it's incredibly versatile; easily adaptable to your preferred taste and dietary needs.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut!)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Broccoli Slaw:
- 10 ounces broccoli slaw mix (pre-shredded is readily available in most grocery stores)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, but adds a nice flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional additions to customize your salad:
- Dried cranberries or raisins
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Grapes (red or green)
- Golden raisins
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken Salad:
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), celery, red onion, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and dill.
- Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add more lemon juice for extra tang or more mayonnaise for creaminess.
Preparing the Broccoli Slaw:
- In a separate bowl, toss the broccoli slaw mix with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and sesame oil (if using).
- Season with salt and pepper.
Assembling the Salad:
- You can serve this in two ways: Either gently fold the broccoli slaw into the chicken salad, or serve the chicken salad on a bed of broccoli slaw. I prefer the latter, as it allows the crunch of the slaw to remain more pronounced.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken salad for a little kick.
- Make it vegan: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and use vegan mayonnaise.
- Add some crunch: Toasted nuts or seeds add a wonderful textural element.
- Prep ahead: Both the chicken salad and the slaw can be made ahead of time and stored separately in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions:
This chicken salad with broccoli slaw is delicious on its own, but it also makes a fantastic filling for sandwiches, wraps, or lettuce cups. It's also a great addition to crackers or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):
This will vary depending on the ingredients used and portion size. For a more accurate nutritional analysis, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.
This chicken salad with broccoli slaw recipe is a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional chicken salad. The combination of creamy chicken and crunchy broccoli slaw creates a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. Give it a try – you won't be disappointed!
