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The Best Broccoli Salad

Featured in Nutritious and Delicious Healthy Recipes.

This Best Broccoli Salad combines crisp broccoli florets with a colorful mix of ingredients for a nutritious and satisfying dish. The salad features fresh vegetables like shredded carrots and red onion, sweet elements from raisins or dried cranberries, crunchy texture from sunflower seeds, and savory depth from bacon. What makes this recipe special is its creamy dressing that perfectly balances tangy and sweet notes with apple cider vinegar and a touch of sugar. After chilling to allow the flavors to meld together, this versatile salad becomes the perfect side dish for potlucks, barbecues, or meal prep. It's also easily customizable to accommodate vegetarian diets or lighter options using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
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Updated on Mon, 24 Feb 2025 20:48:37 GMT
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Transform ordinary broccoli into an irresistible salad that balances fresh crunch with creamy dressing. This vibrant dish has stood the test of time for good reason, combining nutritious vegetables with sweet-savory elements to create a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

When I discovered how to properly prepare broccoli for this salad, it revolutionized the results. Cutting florets into small, bite-sized pieces ensures perfect dressing coverage and makes each forkful a perfect balance of flavors.

Essential Components

  • Broccoli Selection: Choose firm heads with tight, dark green florets
  • Bacon Quality: Thick-cut bacon provides better texture and flavor
  • Seed Freshness: Toasted sunflower seeds deliver enhanced nuttiness
  • Dried Fruit: Plump, moist raisins or cranberries offer perfect sweetness
  • Dressing Balance: The right ratio of mayonnaise to vinegar creates ideal consistency
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Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Creating Your Masterpiece

Perfect The Broccoli:
Cut broccoli into small, uniform florets, including tender parts of stems. Blanch briefly in salted water and shock in ice bath for vibrant color and ideal texture.
Build The Base:
Combine broccoli with finely chopped red onion, shredded carrots, and dried fruit. Each component should be similar in size for balanced bites.
Add Contrasting Elements:
Incorporate crispy bacon pieces and toasted sunflower seeds for savory crunch. Their flavors complement the vegetables perfectly.
Create The Dressing:
Whisk mayonnaise with apple cider vinegar until completely smooth. Add sugar gradually, tasting as you go to achieve perfect balance.
Allow Flavors To Meld:
Toss ingredients gently with dressing, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This crucial step allows flavors to develop and harmonize.

I've found this salad actually improves when made a day ahead, allowing the dressing to slightly soften the broccoli while maintaining texture. It's become my go-to contribution for family gatherings where I need something that travels well.

Perfect Pairings

This versatile salad complements numerous main courses beautifully. Serve alongside grilled chicken or burgers at summer cookouts. Pair with hearty sandwiches for a complete lunch. During holiday seasons, it provides a fresh counterpoint to rich turkey or ham. For potlucks, it stands as a reliable side that won't wilt like leafy greens.

Creative Variations

Adapt this foundation to create countless variations. For a Mediterranean twist, add feta cheese and replace sunflower seeds with pine nuts. Create an Asian-inspired version with sliced almonds, mandarin oranges, and sesame-ginger dressing. Make it heartier by adding diced chicken or hard-boiled eggs. For vegan guests, substitute vegan mayonnaise and replace bacon with smoky tempeh.

Broccoli Salad Recipe Pin it
Broccoli Salad Recipe | homedeliciousrecipes.com

Storage Success

Keep this salad at its best by storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If preparing ahead for an event, consider storing dressing separately and combining just a few hours before serving. For maximum crunch, add bacon and seeds just before serving.

Through endless iterations of this classic salad, I've discovered that attention to detail transforms it from good to exceptional. The careful balance of textures and flavors, combined with proper preparation techniques, creates a dish that's requested again and again at gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad actually improves with time. Make it up to 24 hours ahead, but for best texture, add the sunflower seeds just before serving.
→ How long does this broccoli salad last in the refrigerator?
Properly stored in an airtight container, it will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
→ Can I use frozen broccoli?
Fresh broccoli is strongly recommended for the best texture and flavor. Frozen broccoli tends to become too soft.
→ Is there a healthier alternative to mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for a lighter, higher-protein version with a similar creamy texture.
→ What other add-ins work well in this salad?
Try diced apple, chopped walnuts or almonds, diced red bell pepper, or cubed cheddar cheese for tasty variations.

The Best Broccoli Salad

A crunchy and flavorful broccoli salad featuring fresh vegetables, dried fruit, sunflower seeds, and bacon in a creamy dressing.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes

Category: Healthy Eating

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
02 1 cup shredded carrots
03 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
04 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
05 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
06 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (or a vegetarian bacon alternative)

→ For the Dressing

07 1 cup mayonnaise (substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
08 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
09 2 tablespoons sugar
10 Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Rinse 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets thoroughly under cold running water. Remove any leaves and cut the florets into bite-sized pieces.

Step 02

Shred 1 cup of carrots with a grater or a food processor. Finely chop 1/2 cup of red onion (be cautious with the size, as a little can go a long way in flavor).

Step 03

In a large bowl, combine chopped broccoli, shredded carrots, onions, raisins (or cranberries), sunflower seeds, and crumbled bacon. Stir gently to mix.

Step 04

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Whisk until smooth and creamy, while adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper based on personal preference.

Step 05

Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.

Step 06

For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Notes

  1. Use the freshest broccoli you can find for the best taste and texture.
  2. Feel free to customize ingredients to suit your preferences.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for dressing
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board and knife

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs (in mayonnaise)
  • Contains seeds (sunflower seeds)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 250
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 20 g
  • Protein: 6 g