What is the recipe for broccoli salad? If you’re like me, you probably think of heavy, mayonnaise-drenched salads when you hear “broccoli”. “But trust me, this is different. This one is bright, crunchy, and has just the right amount of sweetness and tang. Is coleslaw a cooler cousin of slaw? My grandma used to make a similar version, but I’ve tweaked it over the years to get it just right. Is it one of those dishes that disappears in minutes whenever I bring it to a potluck? I have a picky eater and I love it!What is Broccoli Salad Recipe.
What is Broccoli Salad?
What is Broccoli Salad? What is a raw broccoli salad? What are the ingredients for this creamy dressing? What is the balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy dressing? It’s incredibly versatile; you can easily customize it to your own taste. Some people add cheese, some add nuts, but the basic principle remains the same: “Everything is good, no matter what”. What are some of the best salad dressings for broccoli? My version has some secret ingredient which I will talk about soon.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What do I love about this book?What is Broccoli Salad RecipeHow easy it is to throw together. What are some good side dishes to serve on a busy weeknight? What are some of the best deals on eBay? What are some of the best ingredients for broccoli? Why do I love it so much? The sweetness from dried cranberries, the salty crunch from the bacon, and the slight bite from your bacon. What’s the best way to make a creamy, tangy dressing? Is there a flavor explosion in every bite? I get asked for this recipe everyday, and honestly, it never gets old. What makes this dressing stand out from others because of the hint of lemon in my dressing? I’ve tried many variations, and this one just wins every time. What are some great ways to sneak extra veggies into a meal? Think shredded carrots or cauliflower rice. What are some good side dishes to serve with grilled chicken or fish? Can be used as a side dish for both more formal and fancier dinners.
How do I make Broccoli Salad?
Quick Overview
Making this What is Broccoli Salad RecipeIs really a breeze. What are some good ways to chop up broccoli, cook bacon (or buy pre-cooked, because let’s say, boiled eggs) and serve them with a side of green onion? ), whisk together a simple dressing, and then toss everything together. What is the best way to let it sit for 30 minutes before serving so the flavors can meld together. What is the difference between waiting time and success? What is the hardest part of chopping broccoli? Is it a really simple process, but the results are just phenomenal?
Ingredients
For the Salad:
* 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets (about 6 cups) – Make sure your broccoli is nice. Avoid any yellowing. * 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped – I prefer red onions for the color and the slight bite, but you can still use them. Can substitute with white onion if you prefer. * 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled – I always cook extra bacon just to have some on hand for this recipe. What are some good bacon bits? Can you toast them lightly for even more flavor? * 1 cup dried cranberries – These add the perfect amount of sweetness and chewiness. I’ve also used raisins or chopped dried apricots in pinch. 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese – This adds a nice creamy and savory element.
For the Dressing:
* 1 cup mayonnaise – I prefer full-fat mayo, but you can use any brand you like. * 1/2 cup Sour Cream – I like to use a lot of it. What are some good ways to reduce calories with mayo? * 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar – This adds the perfect amount of tang. White vinegar works too, but apple cider vinegar has a slightly sweeter flavor. * 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Feel free to adjust this to your liking. Some people prefer a sweeter dressing, while others prefer more tangy one. What are some good substitutes for maple syrup? * 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard – This adds a nice depth of flavor. Is yellow mustard better than Dijon mustard? What is the secret ingredient in a salad? * Salt and pepper to taste.
What are the steps in
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Wash and thoroughly dry your broccoli. Then, cut the broccoli head into small, bite-sized florets. Why is it important to eat big, chunky florets that don’t absorb dressing as well? I like to give them a good chop so they’re about 1/2 inch in size. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
If you’re cooking your own bacon (which I highly recommend), cook it until it’s nice and crispy. I usually bake mine in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. Is it more messy than frying it on the stovetop? Once it’s cool enough to handle, crumble it into small pieces. If you’re using pre-cooked bacon, just crumble it up and you are good to go!
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Apple Cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and salt. Set aside. How do you mix lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I always add a little extra lemon juice because I love the tang! What is the best dressing to use in the fridge? Is it a little bold with the flavors?
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, combine broccoli florets, red onion, cooked bacon, sunflower seeds, and dried basil. Set aside. If you’re using cheddar cheese, add it now as well. What is the best dressing to serve with salad? If you overmix broccoli, it will start to break down.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer, to allow the flavors to develop. How do we meld together? The longer it sits, the better it tastes! Before serving, give it a good stir and adjust the seasonings if needed. Serve cold and enjoy! I’ve made it the night before and it was fabulous the next day.
What should I serve it with?
This What is Broccoli Salad recipeWhat are some of the best side dishes to serve with any meal?For a BBQ:Is it a classic alongside burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, or ribs? The sweetness and tanginess of the salad pair perfectly with the smoky flavors of grilled meats.
For a Picnic:Pack it in a tight-fitting container and take it to your next picnic! What are some good alternatives to Potato Salad?
For a Potluck:Is this a crowd pleaser?
As a light lunch: What are some examples?I often eat this salad as a light lunch. It’s filling, satisfying, and packed with nutrients. What are some good ways to add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein?
My family tradition is to serve this at every holiday. I’m not kidding! Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas… it’s always there. Is it a taste of home and comfort?
How do I make a perfect broccoli salad?
I’ve made this broccoli salad countless times, and I have learned a few tricks along the way. What are some tips for perfecting your technique?What is Broccoli Salad Recipe:
Broccoli Prep:Make sure your broccoli is DRY! If the dressing is too dry, it will make it less flavorful. After washing the broccoli, pat it dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner.
Red onion taming: HowIf you find the red onion too strong, soak it in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding it to a salad. This will mellow out the flavor and make it less pungent.
Dressing ConsistencyIf you prefer a thicker dressing, add 1 tablespoon of milk or cream until you reach your desired consistency. What is the desired consistency
Sweetness Control: HowHow much sugar should I add to my diet? If you prefer a less sweet salad, start with 2 tablespoons of sugar and add more to taste. Can you substitute stevia for erythritol?
Bacon BrillianceDon’t be afraid to experiment with different types of bacon. I’ve used maple bacon, peppered bacon and even turkey bacon in this recipe. All of them add a unique flavor!
Nutty Alternatives:If you’re allergic to sunflower seeds, you can substitute with other nuts like chopped almonds, or nutmeg. What are pecans? Just make sure to toast them lightly for added flavor.
What’s the biggest lesson I learned was not to add too much dressing. I used to drown the salad in dressing, and it would end up being soggy. Now, I add just enough to coat everything lightly, and it’s perfect!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Broccoli Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Here are my tips for storing it properly:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help prevent it from drying out and absorbing odors from other foods.
Dressing Timing: If you’re making the salad ahead of time, you can store the broccoli and other ingredients separately from the dressing. This will prevent the broccoli from becoming soggy. Add the dressing just before serving.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this salad. The broccoli will become mushy and the dressing will separate.
Room Temperature: Don’t leave the salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours. This will prevent bacteria from growing.
The biggest thing is to make sure the broccoli is dry before you store it. Excess moisture will cause the salad to spoil more quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my friend – my go-to Broccoli Salad Recipe! It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. I truly believe everyone should have a great broccoli salad recipe in their arsenal, and this one is definitely a winner. The combination of flavors and textures is just perfect, and it’s so versatile that you can easily customize it to your own liking. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my classic potato salad or my tangy coleslaw. Both are perfect for summer barbecues and potlucks! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you try it, and be sure to rate the recipe. Happy cooking!
Broccoli Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Broccoli florets Cut into bite-sized pieces
- 0.5 cup Dried cranberries
- 0.5 cup Sunflower seeds
- 0.25 cup Red onion Finely chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Blanch broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes. Immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking.
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and red onion.
- Whisk together the dressing ingredients (see recipe for details) and pour over the salad.
- Toss gently to coat.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
