Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad is the perfect blend of crunch and flavor, making it an ideal dish for any occasion. This simple yet delicious recipe features fresh broccoli, savory bacon, and sweet cranberries all tossed in a creamy dressing. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, attending a potluck, or simply looking for a tasty side dish to complement your meal, this broccoli salad will surely impress. Its vibrant colors and satisfying texture make it a standout on any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This broccoli salad comes together in just 10 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Combination: The mix of crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, and creamy dressing delivers a delightful balance of flavors that everyone will love.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side for grilled meats or as part of a picnic spread, this salad suits any occasion.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins from fresh broccoli and protein from cheese and bacon, this salad is both tasty and healthy.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare it in advance! The flavors develop beautifully after chilling for an hour.
Tools and Preparation
To make your broccoli salad effortlessly, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can simplify your prep and ensure consistent results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients easily without spilling.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending the dressing smoothly.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
Ingredients
A simple broccoli salad recipe made with bacon, cranberries, and other simple add-ins! Be sure to check out the recipe tutorial video!
Fresh Ingredients
- 5-6 cups broccoli florets (1 lb, about 2 ½ heads of broccoli (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))
Creamy Dressing Components
- 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:
- Broccoli florets
- Cheddar cheese
- Dried cranberries
- Crumbled bacon
- Salted sunflower seeds
- Diced red onion
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together until smooth:
- Mayo
- Sour cream
- White wine vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt
- Pepper
Step 3: Mix Them Together
- Pour the creamy dressing over the broccoli mixture.
- Toss everything well to ensure even coating.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
- For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving.
- Toss again thoroughly before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Enjoy your delicious homemade broccoli salad as a delightful addition to any meal!
How to Serve Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad is a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether as a main feature or a side, it adds crunch and flavor to any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to make your broccoli salad shine.
As a Standalone Dish
- Perfect for lunch: Enjoy the salad on its own for a refreshing and filling lunch option.
- Picnic favorite: Pack it in a container for an easy picnic meal with friends or family.
Accompanied by Grilled Meats
- Grilled chicken: The crispness of broccoli salad complements the smoky flavors of grilled chicken.
- Steak sides: Pair this salad with your favorite steak for a hearty dinner.
With Fresh Breads
- Sandwich sidekick: Serve alongside sandwiches or wraps for added texture and nutrients.
- Toasted baguette: Enjoy with slices of toasted baguette to soak up the dressing.
At Celebratory Events
- Holiday gatherings: This broccoli salad makes a festive addition to holiday tables.
- BBQs and cookouts: Its refreshing taste balances out richer grilled foods.
How to Perfect Broccoli Salad
To elevate your broccoli salad, consider these simple tips that enhance both flavor and presentation.
- Fresh ingredients: Use fresh broccoli and high-quality cheese for the best taste.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour; this allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add crunch: Consider mixing in other crunchy vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra texture.
- Vary the dressing: Experiment with different dressings such as yogurt-based or vinaigrettes to switch things up.
- Customize toppings: Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or even fruits like apples for added sweetness and crunch.
Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad pairs well with numerous side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some fantastic options:
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn adds a delightful charred flavor that enhances your meal.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf provides protein and texture, making it a nutritious pairing.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and veggies bring vibrancy to your plate.
- Cauliflower Rice: Light and fluffy cauliflower rice is an excellent low-carb alternative that complements salads well.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread offers a delicious carb option that pairs well with any salad entrée.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a broccoli salad, it’s easy to overlook some important details that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Using overcooked broccoli – Make sure your broccoli florets are tender-crisp. Overcooking can make them mushy and less appealing.
- Neglecting the dressing balance – A good balance of mayo and sour cream is essential. Too much of either can overpower the salad’s flavor.
- Forgetting to chill – While you can serve immediately, chilling the salad for at least an hour enhances the flavors. Don’t skip this step!
- Cutting ingredients too large – Dicing onions or cheese too big can lead to uneven bites. Aim for smaller, uniform pieces for better texture.
- Skipping seasoning adjustments – Taste your salad before serving. Sometimes, a little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference in flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container.
- It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to avoid flavor absorption.
Freezing Broccoli Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy dressing and fresh vegetables.
- If you must freeze it, do so without the dressing and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Broccoli Salad
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes. This method may alter the texture.
- Microwave – Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm, but be cautious as this can make broccoli soggy.
- Stovetop – Quickly warm in a pan on low heat, stirring gently to avoid overcooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about broccoli salad that might help you enhance your experience with this dish.
Can I use fresh broccoli for Broccoli Salad?
Yes, fresh broccoli works best! It adds crunch and vibrant color, making your salad more appealing.
How long does Broccoli Salad last in the fridge?
Broccoli salad stays fresh for about 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What can I add to my Broccoli Salad?
Feel free to customize! You can add nuts, seeds, or different cheeses based on your taste preferences.
Is Broccoli Salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep as it lasts a few days and serves as a great side dish or lunch option.
Can I make Broccoli Salad ahead of time?
Yes! Making it ahead gives the flavors time to meld. Just remember to chill it before serving!
Final Thoughts
This broccoli salad is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize it according to your preferences. With its combination of textures and flavors—from crunchy bacon to sweet cranberries—it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Try experimenting with various add-ins or dressings to make it your own!
Broccoli Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Broccoli Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that combines the crunch of fresh broccoli with savory bacon and sweet cranberries, all enveloped in a creamy dressing. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer barbecue, potluck, or simply as a side to elevate your everyday meals. With its colorful presentation and delightful textures, it promises to impress guests and family alike. Enjoy this nutritious option that’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or make-ahead gatherings.
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, sunflower seeds, and diced red onion.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the creamy dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss well to coat evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
