Description

Indulge in a refreshing and vibrant Broccoli Salad that’s perfect for any gathering! This easy-to-make dish is packed with crisp broccoli, sweet dried cranberries, tender chicken, and crunchy sunflower seeds, all drizzled with a creamy homemade dressing that balances tanginess and sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a delightful side dish for holiday feasts, this Broccoli Salad will be a crowd-pleaser. It’s nutritious, versatile, and can be prepared ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy it as a light lunch or serve it alongside your favorite main dishes for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

2 heads broccoli (about 1 and 1/2 pounds)
1 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup roasted sunflower seeds
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 cup chopped red onion
10–11 strips cooked chicken
1 & 1/4 cups Miracle Whip or mayonnaise
1 lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons white grape juice vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
1 & 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

Preheat your oven and bake chicken strips until cooked through. Allow to cool before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
In a large bowl, whisk together Miracle Whip (or mayonnaise), lemon zest, lemon juice, white grape juice vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper until smooth.
Chop broccoli into small florets and add to the bowl along with cranberries, sunflower seeds, cheese, onion, and chicken.
Mix all ingredients until evenly coated with dressing. Chill for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 330
Sugar: 17g
Sodium: 560mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: For added flavor variations, consider mixing in nuts like almonds or walnuts. Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by modifying the sugar amount according to your taste.