Quick Description
This High-Protein Broccoli Apple Salad is the perfect balance of crisp broccoli, sweet apples, tender chicken, and a creamy Greek-yogurt dressing. It’s filling without being heavy, naturally high in protein, and ideal for anyone trying to lose weight without giving up real food and texture.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4 generous portions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (if chicken is pre-cooked)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients List
Salad Base
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (bite-sized)
- 1 large apple, thinly sliced or diced (Honeycrisp or Gala works best)
- ½ cup cooked chicken breast, diced (grilled or roasted)
- ½ cup cooked quinoa, lentils, or edamame
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup dried cranberries (unsweetened if possible)
- ½ cup chopped almonds or walnuts
Creamy High-Protein Dressing
- ½ cup non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1–2 tbsp light mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Prep the broccoli
Cut broccoli into small florets. If you prefer it softer, blanch in boiling water for 30–40 seconds, then rinse with cold water and drain well. -
Prepare the mix-ins
Dice the cooked chicken breast, slice the apple thinly, and chop the nuts. -
Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, light mayo, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. -
Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, add broccoli, apple slices, chicken, quinoa (or lentils/edamame), carrots, cranberries, and nuts. -
Dress & toss
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. -
Chill (optional but recommended)
Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to let flavors blend beautifully.
Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: ~28–32g
- Carbs: ~24g
- Fat: ~10g
- Fiber: High
(Macros vary by protein choice and nut quantity)
Why This Salad Is Perfect for Weight Loss
✔ High protein keeps you full for hours
✔ Crunchy texture reduces cravings
✔ Naturally sweet without added sugar
✔ Balanced carbs + healthy fats
✔ No heavy dressings
Ingredient Benefits
- Broccoli: Fiber-rich, volume food, low calorie
- Chicken breast: Lean protein powerhouse
- Greek yogurt: Creamy texture with extra protein
- Apples: Natural sweetness + crunch
- Nuts: Healthy fats for satiety
Variations & Swaps
- Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas
- Use cottage cheese blended instead of Greek yogurt
- Add sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch
- Make it dairy-free with dairy-free yogurt
Storage & Meal Prep
- Stores well in fridge for 2–3 days
- Best kept chilled
- Great for lunch boxes and potlucks
FAQs
Does broccoli taste too raw?
No — the dressing softens it perfectly.
Can I skip mayo completely?
Yes, just use ¾ cup Greek yogurt instead.
Is this good for diabetics?
Yes, balanced carbs and high fiber help control blood sugar.
