The holiday season is here, and with it comes an abundance of festive meals and celebrations. If you’re looking for a light, yet hearty dish to add to your holiday spread, this Holiday Chicken and Broccoli Salad is the perfect choice! It’s packed with seasonal ingredients, a variety of textures, and a deliciously tangy dressing that will surely steal the show at your next holiday gathering
Why This Recipe is Perfect for the Holidays
This salad is not only a beautiful addition to your holiday table but also a versatile one. It’s a wonderful balance of fresh, nutritious vegetables and lean protein from the chicken, while the addition of dried cranberries or tart cherries and toasted pecans brings festive flair. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a main course, this salad is perfect for your holiday celebrations—light enough to balance heavier meals but filling enough to satisfy everyone.
Health Benefits of Holiday Chicken and Broccoli Salad
Let’s dive into the health benefits each one brings to the table, making this Holiday Chicken and Broccoli Salad not only delicious but also nourishing for your body.
Broccoli
Broccoli is packed with essential vitamins like C and K, fiber for digestive health, and antioxidants such as sulforaphane that help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases. Its high fiber content also aids in weight management and supports heart health, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.
Source: The New York Times
Chicken
Chicken breast is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair, tissue growth, and immune function. It’s also rich in B vitamins and minerals like zinc and selenium, which boost energy levels and support a healthy immune system, making it a perfect choice for a balanced diet.
Source: National Chicken Council
Pecans
Pecans are high in healthy monounsaturated fats, which support heart health, and they are also a good source of fiber, protein, and antioxidants. These nutrient-packed nuts help promote satiety, stabilize blood sugar levels, and provide a boost of energy, making them an ideal addition to salads and other dishes.
Source: Good Housekeeping
Dried Cranberries or Tart Cherries
Dried cranberries and tart cherries are rich in antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress and inflammation. They are also a good source of fiber and vitamins, which support digestive health and boost the immune system. Their natural sweetness adds a festive touch to any dish while offering health benefits.
Variations for Dietary Needs
This recipe can easily be adapted to meet various dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free: All ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you don’t need to make any changes.
- Dairy-Free: The dressing is dairy-free as written, but you can substitute with a plant-based yogurt or mayonnaise for a richer texture.
- Low-Carb: Skip the cauliflower rice if you’re following a low-carb lifestyle and focus on the chicken and vegetables.
Customization Tips
This recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to adjust it to suit your taste:
- Add more seasonal flavors: Throw in some chopped apples or pears for an extra layer of sweetness, or swap the dried cranberries for fresh pomegranate seeds for a burst of color.
- Make it heartier: If you want a more filling main dish, add a grain like quinoa or couscous to give it a wholesome boost.
Holiday Chicken and Broccoli Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
Description
You’ll love this holiday chicken and broccoli salad – and the dressing also makes a great marinade for salmon.
Ingredients
- 16 oz (450 g) broccoli florets, chopped into bite-size chunks
- ½ cup (60 g) raw chopped pecans
- ½ cup (80 g) finely chopped red onion
- 1 cup (150 g) shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup (190 g) cooked cauliflower rice
- ⅓ cup (55 g) dried cranberries or dried tart cherries, chopped
Instructions
- Place all the salad ingredients into a serving bowl. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients. Mix until everything is blended and starts to emulsify. Pour the dressing over the salad, and toss until the ingredients and well coated.
- Place the salad in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
Maple-Mustard Dressing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
- ½ tsp sea salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients. Mix until everything is blended and starts to emulsify.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
This salad stores well in the fridge for up to 2 days, making it ideal for meal prep. To keep it fresh, store the dressing separately and toss everything together just before serving. If you’re planning ahead, prepare the salad ingredients a day or two in advance and simply add the dressing when you’re ready to serve.
Pairing Suggestions
This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of other holiday dishes. Consider serving it alongside:
- Roasted turkey or ham
- Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
- A light soup, like butternut squash or carrot-ginger
Healthy, Delicious, and Perfect for the Holidays
This Holiday Chicken and Broccoli Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that will be a hit at any holiday gathering. With its fresh ingredients and balanced flavors, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your holiday recipe collection.
What’s your favorite holiday salad variation? Share your ideas in the comments below! And don’t forget to tag us if you try this recipe—we’d love to see your festive creations!
Happy Holidays and enjoy your meal!
FAQs about Chicken Broccoli Salad
Chicken and broccoli make a highly nutritious combination. Chicken is a lean source of protein that supports muscle growth and repair, while broccoli is rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants that promote overall health. Together, they provide a balanced meal that supports digestion, boosts the immune system, and promotes heart health.
Chicken and broccoli pair well with a variety of ingredients. You can add grains like quinoa, couscous, or brown rice for extra fiber and energy. Nuts (like pecans or almonds), dried fruits (cranberries or cherries), and a tangy dressing can complement the savory flavors while adding texture and sweetness. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also enhance the dish.
Chicken salad is healthy because it combines lean protein from chicken with vegetables, nuts, and fruits, offering a mix of essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats. The high protein content supports muscle growth and satiety, while the vegetables and nuts provide antioxidants and nutrients that help maintain a balanced diet.
Yes, broccoli can be eaten raw in a salad. Raw broccoli retains all of its vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a healthy, crunchy addition to salads. If you find raw broccoli too tough, you can lightly steam it for a softer texture while still preserving most of its nutrients.
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