Broccoli Salad
A simple and delicious Broccoli Salad is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, picnic, or potluck. This dish combines fresh broccoli florets with crispy bacon, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy sunflower seeds to create a delightful mix of flavors and textures. With its creamy dressing and vibrant colors, this salad not only tastes great but also looks appealing on any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: The preparation time is only 10 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy days.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of bacon, cranberries, and cheese adds rich flavors that will satisfy your taste buds.
- Versatile Dish: This salad can be served as a side dish or a main course, making it suitable for various occasions.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins from broccoli and healthy fats from sunflower seeds, it’s both tasty and nutritious.
- Make-Ahead Option: Best when chilled, you can prepare it in advance to save time before serving.
Tools and Preparation
To make this tasty Broccoli Salad, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure smooth preparation. Having the right equipment can make the process easier and more efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Provides enough space to combine all ingredients without making a mess.
- Small mixing bowl: Perfect for mixing the dressing separately for an even distribution of flavors.
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) (450g)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (thicker pieces) (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)
For the Dressing
- ¾ cup mayo (olive oil mayo preferred) (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 Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, bacon, sunflower seeds, and red onion. Mix gently until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Mix Everything Together
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture in the large bowl.
- Toss or stir well to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
- For best flavor, refrigerate your broccoli salad for at least one hour before serving.
- Just before serving, give it another good toss to refresh the mix. If not consuming right away, keep it refrigerated.
This delightful Broccoli Salad is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad is a versatile dish that can complement many meals. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
As a Standalone Dish
- Perfect for picnics: This broccoli salad is light yet filling, making it ideal for outdoor gatherings.
- Quick lunch option: Serve it chilled for a refreshing and nutritious meal during busy weekdays.
Pairing with Grilled Meats
- Grilled chicken: The savory taste of grilled chicken pairs beautifully with the crunch of broccoli salad.
- BBQ ribs: The tangy flavors in the salad balance out the richness of BBQ ribs, creating a delightful contrast.
Adding to Potlucks or Gatherings
- Crowd-pleaser: This broccoli salad is sure to be a hit at any potluck or family gathering.
- Easy to transport: Its sturdy ingredients make it easy to take along without worrying about spills.
Serving with Bread
- Crusty baguette slices: Enjoy the salad alongside slices of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
- Garlic bread: The flavors of garlic bread complement the creamy dressing in the broccoli salad.
How to Perfect Broccoli Salad
To elevate your broccoli salad, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli and quality cheese enhance the overall flavor and texture of your salad.
- Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour intensifies the flavors.
- Customize toppings: Feel free to add nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds.
- Adjust sweetness: Tailor the sugar content in the dressing according to your taste preferences; you can reduce it if desired.
Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad pairs well with various side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet and buttery corn complements the savory flavors of broccoli salad.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting addition alongside your meal.
- Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies add a smoky flavor that contrasts nicely with the fresh crunch of broccoli.
- Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad brings additional nutrients and texture to your plate.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw offers a different flavor profile while still being light and refreshing.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers can serve as a hearty side while adding visual appeal to your table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a delicious broccoli salad can be straightforward, but certain mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid while preparing this dish.
- Overcooking the Broccoli: Cooking the broccoli too long can make it mushy. Blanch it for just 1-2 minutes before cooling to maintain a crisp texture.
- Using Fine Shredded Cheese: Finely shredded cheese can clump and not mix well. Opt for thicker cheddar for a better distribution in your salad.
- Not Refrigerating Enough: Serving immediately may lack flavor. Allow the salad to chill for at least an hour to enhance its taste.
- Ignoring Ingredient Ratios: The balance of ingredients is key. Measure carefully to ensure every bite has a harmonious mix of flavors.
- Skipping the Dressing Whisking: A well-mixed dressing ensures even coating. Whisk thoroughly before adding it to the salad for consistent flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container.
- It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Broccoli Salad
- Freezing is not recommended as the ingredients may become watery upon thawing.
- If you choose to freeze, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month.
Reheating Broccoli Salad
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes; however, it’s best served cold.
- Microwave: Use medium heat in short intervals of 20 seconds if necessary, but avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally; again, cold is preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making broccoli salad.
How do I make my Broccoli Salad more flavorful?
You can enhance flavor by adding garlic powder or fresh herbs like dill or parsley. A splash of lemon juice can also brighten the taste.
Can I customize my Broccoli Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or different cheeses based on your preference. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a healthier twist.
Is Broccoli Salad healthy?
Yes! Broccoli is packed with vitamins and minerals while being low in calories. The addition of other ingredients like cranberries adds nutrients without excessive calories.
What should I serve with Broccoli Salad?
Broccoli salad pairs well with grilled meats or as part of a larger picnic spread. It’s versatile enough to complement many dishes!
Can I prepare Broccoli Salad ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare up to a day in advance, but remember that chilling enhances its flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Salad recipe offers versatility and delightful flavors with every bite. It’s perfect for gatherings or as a healthy side dish at home. Feel free to customize it further with your favorite ingredients and enjoy the deliciousness!
Broccoli Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Broccoli Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines fresh broccoli florets with crispy bacon, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy sunflower seeds. This salad is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to picnics. With its creamy dressing and visually appealing colors, it not only tantalizes your taste buds but also serves as an inviting centerpiece on your table.
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 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 bowl, combine broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, bacon, sunflower seeds, and red onion.
- In a small 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 all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
