Broccoli Salad Recipe – Looking for a refreshing and nutritious salad to add to your menu? This Broccoli Salad Recipe is the perfect combination of crisp broccoli florets, crunchy almonds, sweet dried cranberries, and tangy red onions, all tossed in a creamy dressing. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy. Whether you’re looking for a side dish for a summer barbecue or a light lunch option, this Broccoli Salad Recipe is sure to become a favorite. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, this salad is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste. Try this recipe today and impress your family and friends with a dish that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
What is Broccoli Salad?
Broccoli salad is a delicious and nutritious dish made with fresh broccoli florets, crispy bacon, sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing. This popular side dish is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings. It combines the crunchiness of raw broccoli with the savory flavors of bacon and the richness of the creamy dressing, creating a tasty and satisfying salad that is sure to please any crowd.
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Video of Broccoli Salad
| – Prep Time | 20 minutes of hands-on prep |
| – Cook Time | 0 minutes |
| – Total Time | 20 minutes |
| – Servings | 4-6 servings |
Broccoli Salad has a rich history dating back to the 1970s when it first gained popularity in the United States. The dish typically consists of fresh broccoli florets mixed with bacon, red onions, and a tangy dressing made from mayonnaise and vinegar. Its popularity has only grown over the years, becoming a staple at picnics, potlucks, and summer barbecues. People love Broccoli Salad for its crunchy texture, savory flavors, and versatility. It’s a refreshing and nutritious side dish that pairs well with grilled meats or sandwiches. If you’re looking to try your hand at making this beloved salad, be sure to check out a delicious Broccoli Salad Recipe for inspiration!
Broccoli Salad Ingredients
For a refreshing and nutritious dish, try making a Broccoli Salad with a variety of fresh ingredients. Start with crisp broccoli florets, crunchy bacon bits, tangy red onion, and sweet dried cranberries. Add in some creamy mayonnaise, zesty vinegar, and a touch of honey for a delicious dressing. Top it off with toasted sunflower seeds for an extra crunch. The combination of fresh and vibrant ingredients in this salad will leave your taste buds craving more.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets
- Bacon: Cooked and crumbled
- Red onion: Finely chopped
- Raisins: Golden or regular
- Sunflower seeds: Roasted and salted
- Cheddar cheese: Shredded
- Mayonnaise: Regular or light
- Apple cider vinegar: For dressing
- Sugar: Granulated
- Salt and pepper: To taste
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How to Make Broccoli Salad
To prepare a delicious Broccoli Salad, start by blanching the broccoli florets in boiling water for just a few minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Immediately shock them in ice water to stop the cooking process and maintain their crispness. Next, combine the broccoli with crispy bacon, red onion, and a tangy dressing for a perfect balance of flavors.
- Begin by washing and cutting up 2 heads of broccoli into small florets.
- Peel and chop 1 red onion into small pieces.
- Cook 6 strips of bacon until crispy, then crumble into small bits.
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, chopped red onion, and bacon bits.
- Add in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of raisins to the bowl.
- In a separate smaller bowl, mix together 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
- Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the broccoli mixture and toss everything together until well coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Enjoy your delicious broccoli salad as a side dish or a light meal!
Tips for Making Broccoli Salad
When it comes to making a delicious Broccoli Salad, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. First, blanching the broccoli before adding it to the salad can help to soften the florets and make them more palatable. Second, be sure to add a variety of textures and flavors by including ingredients like crispy bacon, crunchy almonds, sweet dried cranberries, and tangy red onion. Lastly, make sure to let the salad marinate in the fridge for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to impress your friends and family with a flavorful and refreshing dish.
- Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before adding it to the salad to bring out its vibrant green color and maintain a crisp texture.
- Toast the nuts (such as almonds or walnuts) in a dry skillet for added depth of flavor and crunch before mixing them into the salad.
- Use a mixture of both Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for the dressing to add creaminess without all the added calories.
- Add a pop of sweetness by incorporating dried cranberries or raisins to balance out the savory and tangy flavors in the salad.
- Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together and enhance the overall taste.
- Consider adding crispy bacon or pancetta for a salty and smoky element that complements the broccoli and other ingredients.
- Experiment with different cheeses such as feta, cheddar, or parmesan to add a creamy and tangy flavor profile to the salad.
- Finish the salad with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives for a burst of freshness and color that elevates the dish.
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Directions for Making Broccoli Salad
To make a delicious Broccoli Salad, start by washing and chopping fresh broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Next, mix together mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar to create a tangy dressing. Combine the broccoli with crispy bacon, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This refreshing salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for any meal!
- Start by washing and chopping one head of fresh broccoli into small bite-sized florets.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli with 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon.
- Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of diced red onion to the bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup of sugar to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, sprinkle 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds or chopped nuts on top for added crunch.
- Enjoy your delicious broccoli salad as a side dish or a light lunch!
Nutrition Facts of Broccoli Salad
This delicious Broccoli Salad Recipe is not only tasty but also packed with essential nutrients. Each serving contains 150 calories, 10g of protein, and 5g of fiber. With only 2g of sugar and 8g of healthy fats, this salad is a perfect choice for a balanced and satisfying meal.
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Sodium | 280mg |
Conclusion on Broccoli Salad Recipe
In conclusion, this Broccoli Salad Recipe is a fantastic choice for a healthy and delicious side dish. Packed with nutrients and flavor, it is sure to be a hit at any gathering or meal. You can serve it as a standalone salad, or pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete and balanced meal. The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it with your favorite toppings and dressings, making it perfect for any taste preferences. Additionally, the benefits of eating broccoli, such as high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, make this salad not only tasty but also a great choice for overall health. Try this Broccoli Salad Recipe today and enjoy a flavorful and nutritious dish that everyone will love!