Broccoli – love it or hate it, right? But this creamy broccoli salad, oh my, it’s a game-changer. Imagine, crunchy florets mingling with a luscious dressing, much like an unexpected duet at a summer festival – delightful and surprising!
Steps
- Thoroughly wash the broccoli and pat it dry to remove excess moisture. Cut the broccoli florets and stems into bite-sized pieces, and optionally add some broccoli slaw for extra texture. This step can be completed up to four days in advance.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients, including mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then set aside.
- Combine the broccoli pieces, diced red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon bits in a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and toss until everything is well-coated.
- Transfer the salad to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least one hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the broccoli to absorb the dressing, enhancing the overall taste.
- For optimal flavor, make the salad up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it refrigerated until ready to serve. Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days.
Ingredients
- 8 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ? cup red onion, diced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ½ cup bacon bits
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2536 | Carbohydrates: 136g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 208g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Cholesterol: 144mg | Sodium: 2640mg | Potassium: 2920mg | Fiber: 24g | Sugar: 80g | Vitamin A: 4680IU | Vitamin C: 653.6mg | Calcium: 400mg | Iron: 8mg
FAQ
- Can I prepare Broccoli Salad in advance?
- Yes, Broccoli Salad can be made ahead of time. It should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least an hour, but you can prepare it up to a day in advance. If making further ahead, keep the dressing separate and combine a few hours before serving.
- What can I add to Broccoli Salad if I have extra vegetables?
- You can enhance the Broccoli Salad by adding extra vegetables such as zucchini, cauliflower, celery, or peppers. These additions can provide more flavor and texture to the dish.
- How long will leftovers of Broccoli Salad last?
- Leftovers of Broccoli Salad will keep well in the refrigerator for about 4 to 5 days. Ensure it is stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- What are some alternatives for the dressing in Broccoli Salad?
- For a different dressing, mayonnaise can be swapped with Miracle Whip, or you can use a premade dressing like coleslaw dressing or creamy poppyseed dressing. To make the salad healthier, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt and omit the bacon bits.
- Do I need to cook the broccoli before making the salad?
- No, the broccoli does not need to be cooked for this recipe. Just ensure it is washed and thoroughly dried, as any excess moisture can dilute the dressing.
Tips
- Make sure to wash and dry your broccoli thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from watering down the dressing.
- Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld and enhance the overall taste.
- For a healthier twist, consider swapping half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt and omitting the bacon bits.
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought coleslaw or creamy poppyseed dressing as a quick alternative to the homemade version.
Equipment
- Salad Spinner – To ensure the broccoli is dry after washing.
- Mixing Bowls – A set of medium and large mixing bowls for preparing and tossing the salad.
- Whisk – For mixing the dressing ingredients together.
- Chef’s Knife or Vegetable Chopper – For cutting broccoli and onions into bite-sized pieces.
