Not to be dramatic, but this Chicken and Broccoli Meal Prep Salad is about to become your new go-to for all things meal prep. It checks every box: high-protein, gluten-free, full of flavor, and ready in just 20 minutes — no stove, no oven, no stress.

With crunchy broccoli, rotisserie chicken, sweet carrots, goat cheese, and a tangy homemade balsamic vinaigrette, it’s fresh, satisfying, and holds up all week in the fridge. Basically, deli counter vibes… but better.

A High-Protein, No-Cook Salad That Gets Better with Time

With summer in full swing, I love to pack the fridge with quick, grab-and-go options for lunch and dinner. Even better? You don’t have to turn on your stove or oven for this one.

Inspired by those deli-style chopped salads, this chicken and broccoli meal prep salad is made with wholesome, gluten-free ingredients that hold up well in the fridge (up to 5 days) and only gets better with time.

The fresh herbs, juicy apple, and goat cheese give it brightness and richness, while the sunflower seeds add a salty crunch that makes every bite satisfying. It seriously is ideal for make-ahead lunches or healthy weeknight dinners when you’re short on time (I got you, busy mamas and girlie pops!).

But of course, feel free to make it your own by mixing in your favorite extras — chopped cooked bacon, diced bell peppers, cucumber, or even roasted chickpeas would all be delicious here. Just keep everything chopped to a similar size so it’s easy to scoop up with a fork (or a chip — no judgment).

Quick, Healthy, and Perfect for Meal Prep

Ok, a moment for the nutritional benefits. This salad is loaded with protein from the chicken and sunflower seeds, plus fiber and antioxidants from the broccoli, carrots, and herbs. It’s filling enough to stand alone as a meal but also great served alongside crackers or stuffed in a pita. Whatever you prefer!

And because it uses rotisserie chicken and requires no cooking, it’s one of the easiest recipes to work into your weekly healthy lunch meal prep rotation. I mean… a fresh, high-protein meal prep lunch or dinner that’s perfect for busy weekdays, whether you’re heading to the office or eating at home? Sign me up!

You know I’m all about recipes that make healthy eating simple, and this one delivers with fiber, protein, antioxidants — and it keeps well in the fridge all week. So don’t say I didn’t warn you — this will become a go-to meal prep salad you crave again and again. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Dijon mustard 
• Maple syrup
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• Garlic clove

For the Salad:

• Cooked rotisserie chicken breasts
• Broccoli florets
• Cosmic crisp or honey crisp apple
• Roasted and salted shelled sunflower seeds 
• Shredded carrot (about 1 large carrot)
• Goat cheese (crumbled)
• Fresh herbs (I like a blend of cilantro, parsley, and dill) 
• Salt and pepper, as needed

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI MEAL PREP SALAD (HIGH-PROTEIN + GLUTEN-FREE)

For the Vinaigrette:

In a small bowl, add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon, maple syrup, kosher salt, pepper, and garlic. Whisk until smooth and emulsified.

For the Salad:

In a large bowl, or the bowl of a stand mixer, add the roasted chicken breasts. Using a hand mixer, or the paddle attachment on a stand mixer, mix the chicken on low. Continue to mix until the chicken is very well shredded. Set aside.

Chop the broccoli florets very, very small. Add to the bowl with the chicken and add the apple, sunflower seeds, carrots, half of the goat cheese, and the vinaigrette. Using tongs, mix very well until combined and the chicken and veggies soak up the vinaigrette.

Add the remaining goat cheese and the herbs and toss once more to combine. 

To Serve and Store:

Serve as-is or alongside crackers/chips for scooping! Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days.

RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS & QUESTIONS

Feel free to make this salad your own based on what you’ve got in the fridge. Swap the goat cheese for feta or a dairy-free alternative, use pecans or sliced almonds instead of sunflower seeds, or try cooked turkey or grilled chicken in place of rotisserie.

You can also use a store-bought balsamic vinaigrette to save time (aim for one made without seed oils and added sugar), or sub in lemon juice for the vinegar for a brighter twist.

Want to bulk it up? Add in chopped cooked bacon, diced bell peppers, cucumber, or even roasted chickpeas — just make sure everything is chopped to a similar size so it’s easy to scoop up with a fork (or a chip!).

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Can you eat raw broccoli in salad?

Yes! Raw broccoli works perfectly in this salad — especially when it’s chopped into small, bite-sized pieces. It adds a great crunch, and because the vinaigrette soaks in as it sits, the texture softens slightly over time while still staying fresh and crisp.

Is this salad good for weight loss or blood sugar balance?

This salad is packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, which can help keep you full and support stable blood sugar levels. It’s naturally gluten-free, nutrient-dense, and made with real, whole foods — making it a great option for those focusing on balanced meals or weight-conscious eating.

More Healthy & High-Protein Meal Prep Recipes to Try:

One-Pan Beef and Broccoli

Crockpot Chicken Bolognese

High-Protein Meal Prep Egg Cups

20-Minute Shredded Chicken Verde    

Protein-Packed Chicken and Edamame Salad

Prep Ahead High-Protein Breakfast Sammies