Broccoli Salad
A delicious broccoli salad can elevate any meal, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a summer picnic, or just a family dinner. This vibrant dish combines fresh broccoli with savory bacon, sweet cranberries, and crunchy sunflower seeds to create a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It’s not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough to fit any occasion. Perfect as a side dish or even as a light lunch, this broccoli salad is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this tasty salad ready in no time.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of crunchy broccoli, salty bacon, and sweet cranberries creates an irresistible flavor profile.
- Versatile Dish: This broccoli salad pairs well with various main courses and can be served at casual get-togethers or formal events.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins from the broccoli and healthy fats from the sunflower seeds, it’s both delicious and nutritious.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this salad in advance; it tastes even better after chilling in the refrigerator for an hour.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your broccoli salad, gather all the necessary tools to make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Allows ample space for combining ingredients without spills.
- Whisk: Ensures that your dressing ingredients are mixed thoroughly for the best flavor.
- Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping vegetables efficiently and safely.
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 florets (1 lb, about 2 ½ heads of broccoli for me (450g))
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (thicker, not finely shredded (115g))
- ⅔ cup dried cranberries (85g)
- ½ cup crumbled bacon (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 cream (70g)
- 1 ½ Tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 3 Tablespoons sugar (40g)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
How to Make Broccoli Salad
Step 1: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
- Broccoli florets
- Cheddar cheese
- Dried cranberries
- Crumbled bacon
- Salted sunflower seeds
- Diced red onion
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together:
- Mayo
- Sour cream
- White wine vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt
- Pepper
Mix until smooth and well-combined.
Step 3: Assemble Your Salad
Pour the dressing over your broccoli mixture. Toss or stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
While you can serve your broccoli salad immediately, refrigerating it for at least one hour will enhance its flavors. Before serving, toss it again thoroughly. Keep refrigerated if not consuming right away.
Enjoy this delightful broccoli salad as a fresh addition to your meals!
How to Serve Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it as a side or making it the star of your meal, these suggestions will enhance your dining experience.
As a Side Dish
- With Grilled Meats: Broccoli salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or steak, providing a refreshing contrast.
- At Potlucks: This dish is perfect for gatherings, as it’s easy to make and transport while appealing to many tastes.
- For Picnics: Pack broccoli salad in individual containers for an easy, healthy option during outdoor meals.
As a Main Dish
- Over Mixed Greens: Transform it into a hearty main by serving it over a bed of mixed greens or spinach.
- With Quinoa: Add cooked quinoa for extra protein and a satisfying texture, making it a complete meal.
- In Wraps: Use broccoli salad as a filling in wraps for a delicious and nutritious lunch on the go.
With Bread
- On Sandwiches: Spread broccoli salad on whole grain bread for a tasty sandwich that’s both crunchy and creamy.
- As a Dip: Serve it with pita chips or crackers for a fun appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests.
How to Perfect Broccoli Salad
To ensure your broccoli salad is always delicious, consider these helpful tips.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh broccoli and high-quality cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least one hour; this enhances the flavors significantly.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar amount in the dressing to suit your taste.
- Add Crunch: Include additional nuts or seeds like almonds or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Customize Ingredients: Feel free to swap ingredients based on preference; add apples or raisins for new flavor profiles.
- Experiment with Dressings: Try different dressings such as yogurt-based or vinaigrette for unique twists on this classic dish.
Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Salad
If you’re looking to create a well-rounded meal, here are some side dishes that complement broccoli salad perfectly.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chunks of marinated chicken grilled to perfection will balance well with the freshness of broccoli salad.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs offer a comforting side that pairs nicely with the crunch of your salad.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add warmth and sweetness, creating an inviting combination with broccoli salad.
- Cauliflower Rice: A light alternative that enhances the veggie theme while adding fiber and nutrients to your meal.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with rice and beans provide great flavor and visual appeal alongside your salad.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit medley adds sweetness and variety, balancing out savory flavors from other dishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making broccoli salad, even small errors can affect the final flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using Overcooked Broccoli: Make sure your broccoli florets are fresh and crisp. Overcooking can make them mushy and ruin the salad’s texture.
- Skipping the Chilling Time: Don’t rush to serve! Letting the salad chill in the fridge enhances flavors. Aim for at least an hour before serving.
- Not Measuring Ingredients: Be precise with your ingredient amounts. Too much mayo or sugar can overpower the dish.
- Neglecting Freshness of Ingredients: Use fresh ingredients, especially the vegetables and cheese. Old produce can lead to a less appealing salad.
- Ignoring Personal Preferences: Customize your salad! If bacon isn’t your thing, try using chickpeas or another protein.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep it chilled to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing Broccoli Salad
- Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of broccoli and other fresh ingredients.
- If necessary, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Broccoli Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat in a covered dish for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring frequently until warm.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over low heat, stir gently until heated through, being careful not to overcook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about broccoli salad that might help you perfect your dish.
What Can I Add to Broccoli Salad?
You can add various ingredients like nuts, seeds, or different cheeses. Consider adding grapes or apples for sweetness!
Can I Make Broccoli Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! It’s ideal to prepare it a few hours in advance or even a day ahead for the best flavor.
How Long Does Broccoli Salad Last?
In the refrigerator, it stays fresh for about three days when stored properly.
Is Broccoli Salad Healthy?
Absolutely! It’s packed with nutrients from broccoli and provides healthy fats from bacon and sunflower seeds.
Can I Use Fresh Cranberries Instead of Dried?
While dried cranberries add sweetness, you can use fresh ones if you prefer a tart flavor. Just adjust sugar accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This broccoli salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors. With its crunchy elements and creamy dressing, it’s perfect as a side dish or even as a light meal. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite ingredients like nuts or different cheeses—making it truly your own!
Broccoli Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Broccoli salad is a delicious and vibrant dish that combines fresh broccoli with savory bacon, sweet cranberries, and crunchy sunflower seeds. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple family dinner. With a blend of flavors and textures, it’s not only quick to prepare but also nutritious, making it an ideal side dish or light lunch option. Enjoy the delightful combination of creamy dressing and fresh ingredients that will elevate your meal and impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 5–6 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 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, dried cranberries, crumbled bacon, salted sunflower seeds, and diced red onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss well to coat evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
