Delicious Broccoli Chicken Caesar Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing Recipe

Are you craving a delicious and nutritious meal that balances the classic tastes of Caesar salad with the freshness of broccoli and chicken? Look no further! This Broccoli Chicken Caesar Salad features a creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt and olive oil, which gives a healthier twist to the traditional recipe. Let’s explore this refreshing dish that may quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Why Choose Broccoli Chicken Caesar Salad?

This Broccoli Chicken Caesar Salad is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly flexible. Broccoli provides a wealth of nutrients and antioxidants, making it an excellent addition to your meals. A one-cup serving of broccoli contains about 55 calories, along with 126% of the daily recommended intake for vitamin C and 86% for vitamin K. Paired with lean chicken breast, which contains about 26 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving, this salad is a powerhouse of nutrition.

Using Greek yogurt in the dressing significantly cuts down on calories—about 400 calories in a traditional Caesar dressing compared to only 200 calories in our yogurt-based dressing. The addition of olive oil offers healthy fats that enhance the taste and nutrition of the meal.

Ingredients for Broccoli Chicken Caesar Salad

To whip up this tasty salad, you'll need the following ingredients:

Salad Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded

• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce

• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

• Croutons (optional, for added crunch)

• 2 cups cooked pasta. Use chickpea pasta for added protein, or gluten free.

  
  

Greek Yogurt Dressing Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

Preparing the Broccoli Chicken Caesar Salad

Now that you have all your ingredients, let's get started on making your salad!

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

If you haven’t cooked the chicken yet, choose a method you prefer—grilling, baking, or poaching. Make sure it’s fully cooked, then let it cool slightly before chopping or shredding into bite-size pieces.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli

To keep the broccoli vibrant and crunchy, blanch it. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the broccoli florets, and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green. Immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process, then drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, mix the chopped romaine lettuce, cooked pasta, cooked chicken, blanched broccoli florets, and cherry tomatoes (if using). Drizzle the Greek yogurt dressing over it and toss gently to combine everything.

Serving Your Salad

Spoon the salad onto a serving platter or into individual bowls. Finish by garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese and croutons for an added layer of flavor and texture.

Serves 4

A colorful serving of Broccoli Chicken Caesar Salad with Greek Yogurt dressing.

This salad is perfect for immediate enjoyment or can be stored in the refrigerator for later. If you plan on meal prepping, it's best to add the dressing just before serving to ensure everything stays crisp.

Nutritional Benefits of the Ingredients

Broccoli

A true superfood, broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. It contributes to heart health, supports digestion, and strengthens the immune system.

Chicken

Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein. With approximately 26 grams of protein in each 3-ounce serving, it promotes muscle repair and keeps you feeling satisfied longer.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt offers a boost of protein and calcium. It’s a healthier option compared to mayonnaise or sour cream in dressings and provides probiotics that benefit digestion.

Olive Oil

With high levels of monounsaturated fats, olive oil supports heart health and has anti-inflammatory properties. Just one tablespoon provides a significant portion of healthy fats for your meal.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Chicken Caesar Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing is a delightful way to enjoy more vegetables while savoring classic flavors. Whether you’re having it for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish at gatherings, its creamy yogurt dressing offers refreshment without guilt.

The next time you need a quick and healthy meal, think of this salad recipe. It not only tastes great but also helps you meet your wellness goals. Enjoy every delicious bite!

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Now it's your chance to create and savor this nutritious Broccoli Chicken Caesar Salad. Happy cooking!