Broccoli Salad
The Broccoli Salad is a delightful dish that combines fresh ingredients for a crunchy, flavorful experience. Bursting with the goodness of broccoli, this salad offers a perfect balance of savory bacon and sweet cranberries. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or looking for a quick side for your weekday dinner, this versatile recipe suits any occasion. It’s easy to prepare, and its colorful presentation makes it a standout on any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This broccoli salad can be ready in just 10 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of bacon, cranberries, and cheddar cheese creates an irresistible taste.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side at barbecues, potlucks, or holiday dinners; it fits every event!
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from broccoli and seeds, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its unique flavors and textures, everyone will love this refreshing salad.
Tools and Preparation
To make an amazing broccoli salad, having the right tools can simplify the process. Here are some essential items to have on hand:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for combining all your ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk: Use it to mix the dressing thoroughly for an even flavor throughout the salad.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure you get the perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
A simple broccoli salad recipe made with bacon, cranberries, and other simple add-ins! Be sure to check out the recipe tutorial video!
For the Salad
- 5-6 cups broccoli florets¹ (1 lb, about 2 ½ heads of broccoli) (450g)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (thicker chunks) (115g)
- ⅔ cup dried cranberries (85g)
- ½ cup crumbled bacon² (60g)
- ½ cup salted sunflower seeds (60g)
- ⅓ cup red onion (diced into small pieces) (50g)
For the Dressing
- ¾ cup mayo (I use olive oil mayo) (175g)
- ¼ cup sour cream³ (70g)
- 1 ½ Tablespoon white wine vinegar⁴
- 3 Tablespoons sugar (40g)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
How to Make Broccoli Salad
Step 1: Combine Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:
1. Add the broccoli florets.
2. Sprinkle in sharp cheddar cheese.
3. Toss in dried cranberries, crumbled bacon, sunflower seeds, and diced red onion.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a separate small bowl:
1. Whisk together mayo and sour cream until smooth.
2. Stir in white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until well-combined.
Step 3: Mix Everything Together
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture:
1. Toss or stir well to coat all ingredients evenly with dressing.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
For best flavor:
1. Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving.
2. Toss again before serving if needed.
Enjoy this vibrant broccoli salad as a nutritious side or light meal!
How to Serve Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad is a versatile dish that can brighten up any meal. Whether it’s a picnic, potluck, or family dinner, here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
As a Standalone Dish
- This salad makes for a refreshing and nutritious lunch option. Enjoy it on its own, packed with flavors from bacon and cranberries.
With Grilled Chicken
- Pair broccoli salad with grilled chicken for a satisfying protein boost. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a hearty meal.
On a Bed of Greens
- Serve the salad on a bed of mixed greens or spinach. This adds extra texture and freshness, making it visually appealing.
As a Side at BBQs
- Broccoli salad is perfect for barbecues! It complements grilled meats and adds a colorful touch to your plate.
In Wraps or Sandwiches
- Use broccoli salad as a filling in wraps or sandwiches. Its crunchiness pairs well with deli meats and cheeses.
For Potlucks
- Bring this dish to potlucks; it’s always a crowd favorite. The combination of ingredients will impress your friends and family!
How to Perfect Broccoli Salad
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your broccoli salad, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh broccoli – Fresh florets will provide the best crunch and flavor, making your salad more enjoyable.
- Let it chill – Refrigerating the salad for at least an hour allows flavors to blend, enhancing the overall taste.
- Customize add-ins – Feel free to experiment with different nuts or dried fruits based on your preference for added variety.
- Adjust sweetness – Alter the amount of sugar in the dressing to match your taste; you can use honey or agave syrup for healthier options.
Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider when planning your meal.
- Cornbread – A sweet and fluffy cornbread complements the savory notes of broccoli salad.
- Potato Wedges – Crispy baked potato wedges are perfect for dipping into the creamy dressing of the salad.
- Coleslaw – Another crunchy option, coleslaw adds a tangy flavor that balances well with broccoli salad.
- Grilled Veggies – Seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection offer smoky flavors that enhance the meal.
- Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad provides protein and additional nutrients while keeping things fresh.
- Deviled Eggs – These classic appetizers add richness and pair nicely with the crispness of broccoli salad.
- Macaroni Salad – A creamy macaroni salad offers comfort food vibes that everyone loves at gatherings.
- Garlic Bread – Crunchy garlic bread is an irresistible addition that everyone will enjoy alongside their plates.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a delicious broccoli salad can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using Overcooked Broccoli: Overcooked broccoli can ruin the texture. Steam or blanch it just until bright green for the best crunch.
- Ignoring the Dressing Ratio: Too much dressing can overpower flavors. Start with less and add more gradually for balance.
- Skipping Chill Time: Serving immediately can result in bland flavors. Allowing the salad to chill enhances taste as ingredients meld together.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Under-seasoned salads can be dull. Don’t forget salt and pepper to elevate the overall flavor profile.
- Not Customizing Ingredients: Sticking strictly to the recipe limits creativity. Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or fruits for a personal touch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your broccoli salad in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator without losing quality.
Freezing Broccoli Salad
- Freezing isn’t recommended due to texture changes, but if necessary, use freezer-safe containers.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before consuming.
Reheating Broccoli Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes covered to avoid drying out.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring often to ensure even warming; around 1-2 minutes should suffice.
- Stovetop: Warm on low heat while stirring regularly until heated through; this keeps it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making broccoli salad.
What is a Broccoli Salad?
Broccoli salad is a fresh dish typically made with raw broccoli, cheese, nuts, fruits, and a creamy dressing. It’s a popular side dish for gatherings.
Can I Make Broccoli Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! Preparing your broccoli salad ahead of time allows flavors to develop. Just store it in the fridge and serve within three days for best results.
How Can I Customize My Broccoli Salad?
You can customize your broccoli salad by adding ingredients like apples, raisins, or different nuts. Experimenting with dressings is also fun!
What Are Some Good Serving Suggestions?
Broccoli salad pairs well with grilled meats or as part of a buffet spread. It adds color and crunch alongside heavier dishes.
Is Broccoli Salad Healthy?
Absolutely! This dish is packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and can be made healthier by adjusting dressings and toppings according to your preferences.
Final Thoughts
This broccoli salad recipe stands out for its delightful combination of textures and flavors. It’s versatile enough for any occasion and allows room for customization based on personal preference. Try it as a refreshing side at your next gathering!
Broccoli Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves about 6
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Description
Broccoli Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that brings together the crunch of fresh broccoli, the savory taste of bacon, and the sweetness of cranberries. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for any occasion—be it a family gathering, potluck, or a simple weeknight dinner. Packed with flavor and color, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at your table. With just 10 minutes of preparation time, this refreshing salad can be served as a standalone meal or paired beautifully with grilled proteins.
Ingredients
- 5–6 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, chopped
- ⅔ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup crumbled bacon
- ½ cup salted sunflower seeds
- ⅓ cup diced red onion
- ¾ cup mayo
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ Tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 3 Tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, cranberries, bacon, sunflower seeds, and red onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayo and sour cream until smooth. Add white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
