Broccoli Salad
Broccoli Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, making it an excellent choice for gatherings, picnics, or as a side dish for family dinners. This recipe combines crunchy broccoli with savory bacon and sweet cranberries, creating a balanced and refreshing salad that everyone will love. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or just looking for a quick meal addition, this broccoli salad will impress your guests with its vibrant colors and delicious taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This broccoli salad takes just 10 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy days.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of bacon, cranberries, and cheddar cheese brings a unique taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it at parties, barbecues, or as a light lunch option—it’s suitable for any occasion!
- Healthy Choice: Packed with nutrients from the broccoli and wholesome ingredients, this salad is both satisfying and good for you.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare this salad in advance. It tastes even better after chilling in the fridge!
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious broccoli salad, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything is prepared smoothly and efficiently.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows for easy mixing of all ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending the dressing ingredients smoothly and evenly.
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 florets¹ (1 lb)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (thicker, not finely shredded)
- ⅔ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup crumbled bacon²
- 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 cream³
- 1 ½ Tablespoon white wine vinegar⁴
- 3 Tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
How to Make Broccoli Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Broccoli florets
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Dried cranberries
- Crumbled bacon
- Salted sunflower seeds
- Diced red onion
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a separate small mixing bowl:
- Whisk together mayo, sour cream, white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Everything
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture.
- Toss or stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
- Although you can serve immediately, refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to enhance the flavors.
- Remember to toss thoroughly again before serving. Keep refrigerated if not consuming right away.
How to Serve Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve it as a main course or as a side, there are plenty of delicious options to elevate your meal.
As a Standalone Dish
- Perfect for lunch: Enjoy broccoli salad on its own for a light and nutritious meal.
- Great for picnics: Pack it in a container for an easy-to-carry option.
Pairing with Grilled Meats
- Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavor of grilled chicken complements the freshness of broccoli salad.
- Steak: A hearty steak pairs well with the crunchy texture of the salad.
With Sandwiches and Wraps
- Turkey Sandwich: Add broccoli salad as a side to enhance your turkey sandwich experience.
- Vegetarian Wraps: Serve alongside wraps filled with grilled veggies for a colorful plate.
As Part of Holiday Meals
- Easter Dinners: This salad adds vibrant color and flavor to your holiday spread.
- Barbecues: A refreshing side that balances out rich barbecue dishes.
How to Perfect Broccoli Salad
To create the best broccoli salad, consider these simple tips that will enhance both flavor and texture.
- Choose Fresh Broccoli: Fresh florets will provide the best crunch and taste, making your salad more enjoyable.
- Opt for Thick Cheese Shreds: Using thicker cheddar cheese allows for better melting and flavor distribution throughout the dish.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the sugar amount in the dressing based on your taste preference; some may prefer less sweetness.
- Let It Chill: Allowing the salad to refrigerate for at least an hour helps flavors meld together beautifully.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Consider adding nuts or seeds for extra crunch, or fruits like apples for a sweet twist.
Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad pairs wonderfully with many dishes. Here are some ideal accompaniments to complete your meal.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a nice contrast and is easy to prepare on the grill.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges make for a hearty side that complements the freshness of broccoli salad.
- Roasted Vegetable Medley: A blend of seasonal vegetables adds color and depth to your plate.
- Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa offers protein and pairs well with the creamy texture of broccoli salad.
- Garlic Breadsticks: These warm, buttery breadsticks are always a hit alongside salads.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad provides sweetness that balances out savory dishes well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making broccoli salad, it’s essential to steer clear of common pitfalls to ensure a delicious dish. Here are some mistakes you might encounter:
- Skipping the chill time: Many people serve broccoli salad immediately after mixing. For the best flavor, refrigerate it for at least one hour before serving.
- Not using fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli and quality add-ins make a big difference. Always choose crisp broccoli florets and fresh cheese for optimal taste.
- Overdressing the salad: It’s easy to go overboard with the dressing. Start with a little and add more only if needed to achieve your desired flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.
- Ignoring texture: A good broccoli salad balances crunch and creaminess. Pay attention to your ratio of crunchy elements like sunflower seeds and crispy bacon against the creamy dressing.
- Cutting ingredients too large: If you cut your veggies too big, they can be hard to eat. Make sure to dice the onion small and chop broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best consumed within 3-5 days when kept in the fridge.
Freezing Broccoli Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to potential texture changes.
- If necessary, freeze components separately (like bacon) but not the entire salad.
Reheating Broccoli Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring in between until warm.
- Stovetop: Sauté gently over low heat until warmed through, ensuring not to cook too long.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making broccoli salad that might help you:
What is Broccoli Salad?
Broccoli salad is a refreshing dish made primarily from raw broccoli florets mixed with various ingredients like cheese, bacon, and a creamy dressing.
Can I make Broccoli Salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare broccoli salad ahead of time. Just make sure to refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving for enhanced flavors.
How do I customize my Broccoli Salad?
Feel free to add or swap ingredients based on your preference. You can include nuts, different cheeses, or even fruits like apples for more variety.
Is Broccoli Salad healthy?
Broccoli salad can be quite nutritious! It packs vitamins from broccoli and can be made healthier by adjusting the dressing ratios or using yogurt instead of mayo.
Final Thoughts
This easy broccoli salad recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients or seasonal produce. Enjoy this crowd-pleaser at gatherings or as a side dish!
Broccoli Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Broccoli Salad is a vibrant and delicious dish that combines crunchy broccoli florets with savory bacon, sweet cranberries, and creamy cheddar cheese. This easy recipe not only offers a delightful mix of flavors but also serves as a nutritious side for picnics, family gatherings, or holiday meals.
Ingredients
- 5–6 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (thickly shredded)
- ⅔ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup crumbled bacon
- ½ cup salted sunflower seeds
- ⅓ cup diced red onion
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1½ tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, cranberries, bacon, sunflower seeds, and diced onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
