Best Broccoli Salad is a refreshing and crunchy dish that combines flavors and textures perfectly. It brings together fresh broccoli, salty bacon, sweet raisins or cranberries, and creamy dressing. This salad is not just tasty; it is also colorful and healthy, making it a great addition to any meal or a perfect stand-alone dish.
Table of Contents
Why Make This Recipe
Making Best Broccoli Salad is a great choice for many reasons. First, it is easy to prepare and requires only a few simple ingredients. Second, it provides a mix of flavors that everyone will enjoy, making it a crowd-pleaser at parties, picnics, or even family dinners. Finally, this salad is packed with nutrients, thanks to the fresh broccoli and other healthy components. You can serve it as a side dish, and it can also be a light lunch on its own.
How to Make Best Broccoli Salad
Making Best Broccoli Salad is a simple process that takes just a few minutes.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup raisins or cranberries
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, raisins or cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until well combined.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Best Broccoli Salad
A refreshing and crunchy salad combining broccoli, bacon, raisins, and creamy dressing, perfect for any meal.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup raisins or cranberries
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, crumbled bacon, cheddar cheese, red onion, raisins or cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until well combined.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use fresh broccoli for the best crunch; you can adjust the sweetness of the dressing to your liking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking Required
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
How to Serve Best Broccoli Salad
Best Broccoli Salad can be served in various ways. You can serve it cold as a side dish to grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a potluck spread. It can also be enjoyed as a light lunch filled with protein and fiber. Use a large bowl to showcase its colorful ingredients when serving to guests.
How to Store Best Broccoli Salad
To store Best Broccoli Salad, put it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. However, keep in mind that the salad may become softer over time, especially if left in the dressing too long. For the best texture, enjoy it within a couple of days.
Tips to Make Best Broccoli Salad
- Make sure to use fresh broccoli for the best crunch and flavor.
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to the dressing according to your taste.
- For an extra kick, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- If you want a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.
Variation
You can easily change the ingredients based on your preferences. For example, you can use different nuts instead of sunflower seeds or try adding cooked chicken for extra protein. You can also swap out the raisins or cranberries for chopped apples or pears for a unique twist.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this salad?
Fresh broccoli is recommended for the best texture, but if you are in a hurry, you can use frozen broccoli that has been thawed and drained.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Best Broccoli Salad a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until serving, but avoid adding the dressing until shortly before serving to maintain the crunchiness.
What can I serve with this salad?
Best Broccoli Salad pairs well with grilled chicken, steaks, sandwiches, or as part of a buffet of salads.
Conclusion
In summary, Best Broccoli Salad is an easy-to-make, delicious dish that everyone will love. With its blend of flavors and textures, it’s perfect for any meal or occasion. Give this salad a try, and you’ll see why it’s a favorite!
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