This colorful broccoli salad is a crunchy delight! Packed with fresh broccoli, sweet raisins, and crispy bacon, it’s a perfect mix of flavors and textures. Yum!
I love how easy it is to whip up this salad for picnics or potlucks. Plus, it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a while. It’s officially a family favorite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are key for crunch and nutrition. If you can’t find fresh, frozen can work, but they should be thawed and drained well.
Red Onion: Red onion adds a nice bite and color. If it’s too strong for you, switch to green onions or shallots for a milder taste.
Dried Cranberries: They provide a sweet touch. Alternatives like raisins or chopped apples can be used if cranberries aren’t on hand. Either way, they add a lovely sweetness!
Almonds: Sliced or slivered almonds give a crunch. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds make a great replacement for that satisfying crunch.
Bacon Bits: While optional, bacon adds a smoky flavor. For a vegetarian version, try smoked paprika to achieve a similar taste without meat.
Cheddar Cheese: This adds creaminess and flavor. You can swap it for crumbled feta or omit it entirely for a lighter touch.
Mayonnaise: This is the base of your dressing. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, Greek yogurt works wonderfully instead.
How Do I Make Sure the Dressing is Just Right?
Getting the dressing perfect is a key part of making a good broccoli salad! You want it creamy but balanced in flavor. Follow these steps:
- In a bowl, combine well: mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to achieve a smooth consistency.
- Taste the dressing! Adjust the sweetness with more sugar or acidity with more vinegar as per your liking.
- The dressing should coat your broccoli without overwhelming it—keep that balance!
Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This wait allows the flavors to blend nicely together, making each bite delicious!
The Best Broccoli Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salad:
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup almonds (sliced or slivered)
- 1/4 cup bacon bits (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
For The Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious broccoli salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional hour in the fridge for chilling. The chilling time helps all the wonderful flavors combine, making your salad extra tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped red onion, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, bacon bits (if you’re using them), and shredded cheddar cheese (if you’d like). Give everything a gentle stir to mix the ingredients together.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing is what brings all the flavors together!
3. Combine Salad and Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything gently until all the ingredients are nicely coated with the dressing. You want to make sure every piece gets a little love!
4. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This time lets the flavors meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a quick stir, taste it, and adjust the seasoning if you need to. Enjoy your refreshing broccoli salad!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Salad?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but it’s best to thaw and drain it first to avoid excess water in the salad. To thaw, simply put the broccoli in the refrigerator overnight or rinse it under cold water for a few minutes. Pat it dry with paper towels before adding it to the salad mixture.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this broccoli salad vegan, you can substitute the mayonnaise with a plant-based mayo or a tahini dressing. For the cheese, try using nutritional yeast or leave it out entirely for a lighter version. You can also skip the bacon bits or substitute with crispy chickpeas for that crunch factor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be aware that the salad may become slightly soggy over time as the dressing continues to soften the broccoli. Give it a good stir before serving!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize this salad by adding ingredients like sunflower seeds, chopped apples, or even diced bell peppers for extra color and flavor. Just keep in mind that these additions might change the overall texture, so add them according to your preference!
