Zesty Broccoli Salad Recipe: A Crunchy Delightful Side

Broccoli salad is a delightful dish that combines crisp, fresh broccoli with an explosion of flavors and textures. Imagine the crunch of perfectly blanched broccoli mingling with the sweetness of raisins and the sharpness of red onion, all drizzled with a creamy dressing. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, awakening your taste buds and beckoning you to dig in.

This broccoli salad is not just a side dish; it’s a party on your plate! Whether you’re whipping it up for a summer barbecue or serving it at a family gathering, this dish brings smiles, laughter, and satisfied tummies. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

I remember the first time I made this broccoli salad for a potluck. My friends devoured it within minutes and insisted I share the recipe. Their delighted reactions still make me smile!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Broccoli: Choose firm broccoli heads with bright green florets for optimal flavor and texture.

• Red Onion: Use thinly sliced red onion; its sharpness balances well with the sweetness in the salad.

• Dried Cranberries: They add a lovely chewiness and sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy veggies.

• Sunflower Seeds: Opt for roasted sunflower seeds for added crunch and nutty flavor.

• Bacon Bits: Cooked crispy bacon adds a savory crunch; feel free to use turkey bacon for a lighter option.

• Mayonnaise: A creamy base that binds everything together—feel free to use Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: This tangy ingredient brightens up the flavors while adding zest.

• Honey: A touch of sweetness that balances out the vinegar perfectly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Start by preparing your fresh ingredients: Rinse the broccoli under cold water and chop into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform sizes so they cook evenly.

Blanching Time!: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Add the chopped broccoli and blanch for about 2 minutes until vibrant green but still crisp. Drain immediately in an ice bath to stop cooking.

Mixing It All Up!: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled broccoli, diced red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon bits. Gently fold them together using a spatula.

Create That Dressing!: In another small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Toss Everything Together!: Pour your dressing over the broccoli mixture. Stir gently until every piece is coated in creamy goodness.

Chill & Serve!: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let those flavors mingle beautifully! Serve chilled garnished with extra sunflower seeds if desired.

With these simple steps, you’ll have an irresistible broccoli salad ready to impress everyone around your table! Enjoy every crunchy bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by blanching your broccoli for a crisp-tender texture, then combine with other ingredients to ensure even flavor distribution.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap almonds for walnuts or add dried cranberries for a pop of sweetness. Personalize it based on your taste preferences.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy cold without reheating to maintain freshness.

Cooking broccoli salad reminds me of that family picnic where Uncle Ted tried to outshine my mom’s famous recipe. Spoiler alert: he didn’t succeed!

FAQ

What dressing goes best with broccoli salad?

A creamy ranch or tangy vinaigrette works wonderfully with broccoli salad.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance for better flavor melding.

Is broccoli salad healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with vitamins, fiber, and beneficial nutrients while being low in calories.

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Broccoli Salad

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Broccoli salad is a vibrant and delicious dish that combines crisp, fresh broccoli with sweet raisins, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for summer barbecues or family gatherings, this salad is not just a side; it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings joy to any table. With its delightful mix of textures and flavors, you’ll find yourself craving it time and again.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 minutes
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Blanching
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup bacon bits (or turkey bacon)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Rinse broccoli under cold water and chop into bite-sized pieces.
2. Blanch broccoli in boiling salted water for 2 minutes until vibrant green but still crisp. Drain immediately in an ice bath.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooled broccoli, red onion, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon bits.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Pour dressing over the broccoli mixture and stir gently to coat everything evenly.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 15mg