This Loaded Chicken & Broccoli Salad is everything a busy cook dreams of—crunchy, creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of salad that eats like a full meal, perfect for a quick lunch or easy dinner. With tender chicken, crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, sharp cheese, and a tangy dressing that ties it all together, this salad comes together in no time and will leave everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s ideal for meal prep, potlucks, or just keeping in the fridge for healthy, satisfying bites all week long.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Quick: From start to finish, this salad takes under 30 minutes. It’s perfect when you need something fast but still crave something homemade and nourishing.
So Much Flavor: Between the crispy bacon, savory chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy dressing, this salad has layers of flavor in every forkful.
Meal-Worthy: This isn’t a dainty side salad—it’s hearty enough to stand on its own thanks to the protein and veggies.
Great for Prep: It keeps well in the fridge, making it ideal for prepping ahead for lunches or busy nights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious salad—and why each one matters:

Cooked Chicken: Use grilled, roasted, or even rotisserie chicken—whatever you have on hand. It adds satisfying protein and makes this salad feel like a complete meal.
Fresh Broccoli: Chopped into small florets. It brings that perfect crunch and holds up beautifully in the creamy dressing without getting soggy.
Crispy Bacon: Cooked until golden and chopped. Adds smoky, salty goodness that takes the flavor up several notches.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheese is best for balancing the richness of the dressing and bacon.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a little zing and color contrast. If you’re sensitive to raw onion, give the slices a quick rinse in cold water.
Sunflower Seeds: For a bit of nuttiness and crunch. You could also use sliced almonds or chopped pecans.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dressing. If you want to lighten things up, go half mayo, half Greek yogurt.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Just a splash gives the dressing a tangy lift and cuts through the richness.
Honey: A little sweetness to balance the tang and tie the whole dressing together.
Salt & Pepper: Season to taste—it makes all the difference.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious ways to put your own spin on this salad:

Make it Lighter: Swap some or all of the mayo for Greek yogurt.
Add Fruit: Diced apples or halved grapes bring a burst of sweetness and go really well with the other flavors.
Change the Protein: Swap chicken for turkey, ham, or even cooked shrimp.
Cheese Swap: Try crumbled feta or blue cheese for a punchier taste.
Low-Carb Boost: Add some chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein without adding carbs.

How to Make Loaded Chicken & Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Prep the Broccoli

Chop your broccoli into bite-sized florets and blanch them in boiling water for just 1 minute. This softens them slightly while keeping that vibrant crunch. Drain and cool immediately in an ice bath or under cold water.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

While the broccoli cools, cook your bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels and crumble.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together the chopped chicken, blanched broccoli, bacon, cheese, red onion, and sunflower seeds.

Step 5: Add the Dressing

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve cold.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip Blanching: A quick blanch takes the edge off raw broccoli and brings out its bright color—totally worth the extra step.
Cool Ingredients Before Mixing: Warm bacon or chicken will wilt the salad. Let everything cool before combining.
Customize the Texture: Chop the broccoli as fine or chunky as you like, depending on your texture preferences.
Let it Rest: Give the salad a little time in the fridge before serving. It’s even better after sitting for 30 minutes.

How to Serve

This salad is filling enough to be a main dish, but here are a few ways to enjoy it:

On Its Own:

Scoop it into a bowl and dig in—it’s satisfying all by itself.

As a Sandwich or Wrap:

Pile it onto a croissant, stuffed in a pita, or wrapped in a tortilla for an easy, delicious lunch.

With Crackers:

Serve it as a dip with your favorite crackers or tortilla chips for a fun appetizer-style spin.

As a Side Dish:

Pair it with grilled meats, burgers, or even soups—it’s a fantastic all-rounder.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It stays crisp and flavorful without getting watery.

Freezing

Not recommended. The mayo-based dressing and fresh veggies won’t hold up well in the freezer.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Just give it a stir before serving if it’s been sitting in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use raw broccoli instead of blanching it?
Yes, absolutely. If you love the crunch of raw broccoli, go for it. Just make sure it’s chopped small so it mixes well and isn’t too hard to chew.

What’s the best kind of chicken to use?
Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but grilled or baked chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully too. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. It’s a great option for meal prepping early in the week.

Is there a dairy-free version of this?
To make it dairy-free, skip the cheese and use a vegan mayo. You’ll still have tons of flavor and crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Loaded Chicken & Broccoli Salad is the kind of dish that proves salads can be just as comforting and crave-worthy as anything else. It’s full of texture, packed with flavor, and couldn’t be easier to make. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a hungry crew, or just want a satisfying, fresh dinner without much fuss, this salad is going to be a go-to. Give it a try—you’re going to love it.

Loaded Chicken & Broccoli Salad Recipe