Description
This Chicken Bacon Ranch Broccoli Salad is packed with crisp broccoli, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy sunflower seeds, all tossed in a rich and creamy homemade ranch dressing. It’s the perfect make-ahead side dish for BBQs, potlucks, meal prep, holidays, and easy family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup roasted sunflower kernels
- ¼ cup sliced green onions (optional)
Homemade Ranch Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Add the broccoli, chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower kernels, and green onions to a large glass mixing bowl.
- Pour the homemade ranch dressing over all of the salad ingredients.
- Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Toss once more before serving and enjoy chilled.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works great for a quick shortcut.
- Chop the broccoli into small bite-sized florets for the best texture.
- Cook the bacon until extra crispy so it stays crunchy.
- Make up to 24 hours ahead for even better flavor.
- Substitute plain Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.
- Add chopped pecans or sliced almonds for extra crunch.
- Fresh grapes or diced apples make a delicious sweet addition.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 MINS
- Cook Time: 10 MINUTES
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American