Broccoli Salad
A delicious broccoli salad brings together fresh flavors and textures, making it a perfect side dish for any occasion. This simple recipe combines crunchy broccoli with savory bacon, sweet cranberries, and creamy dressing. Whether it’s a family gathering, holiday feast, or a casual picnic, this broccoli salad will impress your guests. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite add-ins while keeping the preparation quick and easy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This broccoli salad takes only 10 minutes to make, allowing you to whip up a tasty dish in no time.
- Flavorful Combination: The mix of crispy bacon, tart cranberries, and sharp cheddar creates an irresistible flavor profile.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or as an everyday side dish; it fits seamlessly into various menus.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins from fresh broccoli and healthy fats from sunflower seeds, this salad is both tasty and nutritious.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare this salad in advance, letting the flavors meld together for an even tastier experience.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools makes all the difference in your cooking experience. For this broccoli salad recipe, ensure you have everything ready to streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space for combining ingredients without making a mess.
- Whisk or fork: Essential for blending the dressing smoothly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
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)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (thicker, not finely shredded)
- ⅔ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup crumbled bacon
- ½ cup salted sunflower seeds
- ⅓ cup red onion (diced into small pieces)
For the Dressing
- ¾ cup mayo (I use olive oil mayo)
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ Tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 3 Tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
How to Make Broccoli Salad
Step 1: Combine Salad Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
- Broccoli florets
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Dried cranberries
- Crumbled bacon
- Salted sunflower seeds
- Diced red onion
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Mayo
- Sour cream
- White wine vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt
- Pepper
Step 3: Toss Together
- Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture.
- Toss or stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly coated.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
- For best flavor, refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
- Toss again thoroughly before serving if made ahead. Keep refrigerated if not consuming right away.
This delightful broccoli salad serves about 8 cups and is perfect for sharing! Enjoy its freshness at your next meal or gathering!
How to Serve Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether served as a side or a main dish, it pairs wonderfully with various foods. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your broccoli salad experience.
As a Standalone Dish
- A light lunch option: Enjoy it on its own for a refreshing and nutritious meal.
- Perfect for picnics: This salad travels well and is ideal for outdoor gatherings.
With Grilled Meats
- Grilled chicken: The smoky flavor of grilled chicken complements the crunchiness of broccoli salad.
- BBQ ribs: The tangy and sweet flavors of BBQ ribs pair nicely with the creamy elements of the salad.
On Buffets
- Party platter: Serve broccoli salad alongside other dishes on a buffet table to provide variety.
- Holiday gatherings: It’s an excellent addition to holiday feasts, offering a fresh contrast to heavier meals.
With Sandwiches
- Ham sandwich: A side of broccoli salad adds a refreshing touch to rich ham sandwiches.
- Turkey club: Pairing it with turkey clubs enhances the overall taste and texture experience.
How to Perfect Broccoli Salad
To ensure your broccoli salad stands out, follow these tips. They will enhance both flavor and presentation, making your dish a hit at any gathering.
- Choose fresh broccoli: Fresh florets offer better texture and flavor than frozen. Look for vibrant green colors without yellowing.
- Cut uniformly: Ensure all pieces are similar in size for even dressing distribution. This makes every bite delicious.
- Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to chill enhances flavors. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
- Experiment with add-ins: Try adding nuts or different cheeses like feta for unique flavors and textures.
Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad pairs well with numerous side dishes that complement its fresh ingredients. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garlic Bread: This classic side provides a crunchy texture that balances the creaminess of broccoli salad.
- Coleslaw: A tangy slaw can add crunch and a different flavor profile, making for an interesting meal combination.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are an excellent accompaniment, especially when seasoned well.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn contrasts beautifully with the savory elements in broccoli salad.
- Macaroni Salad: This creamy pasta dish works well together, providing variety while keeping things refreshing.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and earthiness that complements the freshness of your broccoli salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a delicious broccoli salad, it’s easy to run into common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the Dressing: Many people forget to make a flavorful dressing. The right dressing elevates your broccoli salad and ties everything together.
- Overcooking Broccoli: Cooking broccoli too long can make it mushy. Always blanch briefly or use raw florets for crunch.
- Not Chilling Enough: Serving immediately can lead to a less flavorful dish. Allowing the broccoli salad to chill enhances its taste.
- Ignoring Ingredient Quality: Using low-quality ingredients can affect flavor. Always opt for fresh produce and high-quality mayo for the best results.
- Neglecting Personal Touches: Every broccoli salad can be unique! Don’t hesitate to add your favorite nuts or fruits to customize your dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep in the fridge to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
Freezing Broccoli Salad
- Freezing is not recommended as it affects texture. If necessary, use a freezer-safe container.
- Consume within 1 month if frozen.
Reheating Broccoli Salad
- Oven: Place in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring often, until warm. Avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat over low heat in a pan, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making broccoli salad that many home cooks have.
What is Broccoli Salad?
Broccoli salad is a fresh, crunchy side dish made with raw broccoli florets and various mix-ins like cheese, bacon, and dried fruits.
Can I make Broccoli Salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, preparing this salad a few hours before serving allows the flavors to meld nicely.
How do I customize my Broccoli Salad?
Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added flavor and nutrition.
Is Broccoli Salad healthy?
Absolutely! Packed with vitamins from broccoli and flavor from other ingredients, it’s a nutritious choice compared to many salads.
Can I use different dressings for Broccoli Salad?
Yes! You can experiment with yogurt-based dressings or vinaigrettes for a lighter option.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Salad is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients or adjust the dressing according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for gatherings or as a delightful side dish any day!
Broccoli Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves about 8 cups (8 servings) 1x
Description
Discover the joy of making a vibrant and crunchy broccoli salad that’s perfect for any occasion! This easy-to-follow recipe brings together fresh broccoli florets, savory bacon bits, tart dried cranberries, and creamy dressing for a deliciously satisfying dish. Ideal as a side for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or casual picnics, this salad not only impresses with its flavor but also offers nutritional benefits. Enjoy its versatility by adding your favorite ingredients or preparing it ahead of time to enhance the taste. Get ready to serve up a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 5–6 cups broccoli florets (1 lb; about 2 ½ heads)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (thicker shreds)
- 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 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, 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 dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until well coated.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to let flavors meld together.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Side
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
