Raw Broccoli Salad with Chicken, Almonds, and Dried Fruit served in a bowl, topped with microgreens and a light yogurt dressing.

This raw broccoli chicken salad is a crisp, nourishing dish made with broccoli, tender chicken, toasted almonds, and a mix of raisins and cranberries, all lightly coated in a creamy yogurt-based dressing.

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Raw broccoli chicken salad with almonds, raisins, cranberries, and creamy yogurt dressing, photographed from above.

Hey folks – Happy New Year! I hope you all are doing well.

After the festive season, I always find myself leaning toward lighter, simpler dishes, and this salad fits the bill perfectly. It’s fresh and crisp, yet packed with fiber and protein to keep you full longer without feeling heavy. So, let’s dive into this Raw Broccoli Salad with Chicken, Almonds, and Dried Fruit.

Why You’ll Love This Raw Broccoli Chicken Salad

Light yet filling: Thanks to the combination of raw broccoli and lean chicken, this salad is satisfying without being heavy.
Great texture contrast: Crunchy broccoli and almonds pair beautifully with chewy dried fruit.
Meal-prep friendly: It keeps well in the fridge and actually improves as the flavours meld.
Naturally versatile: Easy to adapt with different nuts, dried fruit, or herbs.

Flavour and Texture Profile

This salad is crisp and refreshing, with a pleasant crunch from raw broccoli and toasted almonds. The chicken adds tenderness and substance, while the raisins and cranberries bring gentle sweetness that balances the savoury dressing. The yogurt-based dressing keeps everything light and clean rather than rich.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

This raw broccoli chicken salad comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients that balance crunch, protein, and light creaminess.

Raw broccoli: Finely chopped, with tough stems removed, forming the crisp, fibre-rich base of the salad.
Cooked chicken breast: Gently boiled until tender, then sliced or cubed; adds lean protein and keeps the salad satisfying.
Sliced almonds: Lightly toasted for extra crunch and a subtle nutty flavour.
Raisins: Soft and naturally sweet, balancing the savoury elements.
Dried cranberries: Slightly tart, adding brightness and colour.
Greek yogurt: The base of the dressing, keeping it light and fresh rather than heavy.
Mayonnaise: Used sparingly to round out the dressing and add a touch of richness.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning to bring everything together.
Dried thyme: Adds a gentle herbaceous note without overpowering the salad.
Microgreens or sprouts (optional): A fresh finishing touch for added texture and visual appeal.

Additions and Variations

Different nuts: Swap the almonds for toasted walnuts, pecans, or cashews for a slightly different crunch and flavour.
Alternative dried fruit: Use chopped apricots, dates, or dried cherries instead of raisins or cranberries.
Cheese addition: A small handful of shaved Parmesan, blue cheese, or crumbled feta adds a savoury note without overpowering the salad.
Herb twist: Fresh parsley, dill, or chives work nicely in place of dried thyme.
Dressing variation: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for extra brightness, or a touch of honey if you prefer a hint of sweetness.
Protein swap: Cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken can be used in place of chicken breasts.
Extra greens: Toss in baby kale or arugula for added volume and a slightly peppery bite.

How to Make Raw Broccoli Salad with Chicken

To make this raw broccoli chicken salad, start by preparing the chicken. If cooking it fresh, bring a pot of water to a gentle boil and add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 8 minutes, then turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the chicken remain in the hot water for 15–20 minutes until fully cooked and tender. Remove, let cool, then slice or cube. Leftover grilled or roasted chicken works just as well and can be used directly.

Slice broccoli florets into several pieces for a rustic style-salad or finely chop it, removing any tough stems. Add it to a large bowl along with the chicken, toasted almonds, raisins, and dried cranberries. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, salt, black pepper, and thyme, then pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine, adding a little more dressing if you prefer a creamier texture. Finish with microgreens or sprouts if using, and serve right away or chill briefly before serving.

More Healthy Salad Recipes

Are you looking for more healthy salad ideas, like this raw broccoli chicken salad? Be sure to check more recipes below:

I’d love for you to try this raw broccoli chicken salad with raisins, cranberries, and almonds. If you give this healthy salad a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts.

Cheers!