Broccoli salad is a refreshing classic that never goes out of style. It’s a delightfully crunchy mix of fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, and a creamy dressing that’s sure to please. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a simple family dinner, this salad is as versatile as it is delicious.
Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite in many households. Let’s get started!
Steps
- Thoroughly wash the broccoli and ensure it is completely dry. Chop the florets and stems into small, bite-sized pieces, and consider adding broccoli slaw if desired.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar to make the dressing. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, diced red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon bits.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss everything together until well-coated.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld. Optionally, reserve some bacon bits for garnish and add just before serving.
- Enjoy immediately or store leftovers in the refrigerator, where they will remain fresh for 4-5 days.
Ingredients
- 8 cups of broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ? cup of diced red onion
- ½ cup of dried cranberries
- ¼ cup of sunflower seeds
- ½ cup of bacon bits
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2536 | Carbohydrates: 136g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 208g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Cholesterol: 144mg | Sodium: 2640mg | Potassium: 2920mg | Fiber: 24g | Sugar: 80g | Vitamin A: 4680IU | Vitamin C: 653.6mg | Calcium: 400mg | Iron: 8mg
FAQ
- How can I make this broccoli salad recipe healthier?
- To make the broccoli salad healthier, you can replace half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt and omit the bacon bits.
- Can I prepare broccoli salad in advance?
- Yes, broccoli salad can be prepared in advance. It is best to keep it in the fridge for at least an hour and up to 24 hours before serving. For even further ahead preparation, store the dressing separate and combine a few hours before serving.
- What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?
- Mayonnaise can be replaced with Miracle Whip or a similar dressing. Additionally, coleslaw dressing or creamy poppyseed dressing can be used as a premade alternative.
- How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
- Leftovers of broccoli salad can be stored in the fridge for approximately 4-5 days.
- Can I add other vegetables to the broccoli salad?
- Certainly! You can add other vegetables like zucchini, cauliflower, celery, or peppers to the broccoli salad to use up extra veggies you may have.
Tips
- Ensure your broccoli is thoroughly dried before assembling the salad; this will prevent the dressing from becoming diluted.
- To enhance flavor, prepare the salad at least an hour before serving and allow it to chill in the fridge, giving the broccoli time to absorb the dressing.
- If you want to prepare the salad well in advance, keep the dressing separate and mix it in a few hours before serving for the freshest taste.
- For a healthier version, replace half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt and consider omitting the bacon bits.
Equipment
- Salad Spinner – Useful for ensuring the broccoli is dry after washing.
- Large Mixing Bowl – For combining all the salad ingredients.
- Medium Bowl – For whisking the dressing ingredients together.
- Whisk – For mixing the dressing ingredients.
- Chef’s Knife – For cutting broccoli into bite-sized pieces and dicing onions.
