Before diving into our delightful broccoli salad, let’s talk about what you can serve alongside this dish. Picture this: a sunny backyard barbecue, the grill sizzling in the background, and your guests enjoying perfectly cooked burgers or grilled chicken. Now, add in this vibrant broccoli salad as a perfect complementary side.
You can pair this crunchy salad with any of these:
Grilled Meats: Whether it’s chicken, steak, or fish, this salad adds a burst of freshness.
Baked Potatoes: Load up those spuds with your favorite toppings and let this salad balance it out.
Quiche or Frittatas: For a brunch gathering, you can’t go wrong with a slice of quiche and a helping of broccoli salad.
Sandwiches: It’s a fantastic hit with turkey or ham sandwiches, adding a crunch that contrasts beautifully with your meal.
Is your mouth watering yet? Let’s jump right into the delicious world of broccoli salad!
What is Broccoli Salad?
Broccoli salad is a colorful, crunchy salad made primarily with fresh broccoli florets. It often features a mix of other ingredients such as nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, all brought together by a creamy dressing.
This dish is great for gatherings or meal prep. Essentially, it’s a way to enjoy broccoli while making it exciting and enjoyable.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
The flavor profile of broccoli salad is a delightful mix of crunchy, sweet, and tangy elements:
Crunchy: The main player, broccoli, offers a robust crunch. With the addition of toasted sunflower seeds, every bite is satisfying.
Sweet: Dried cranberries or raisins add a sweet touch that brings balance and brightness to the dish.
Savory: Crispy bacon pieces provide a smoky, savory undertone. You could even substitute this for a vegetarian option if preferred.
Tangy: The dressing, made with apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard, adds a zesty pop that invigorates the entire salad.
All these components combine for a flavor explosion that is both satisfying and refreshing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You might wonder why this broccoli salad deserves a spot in your recipe collection. Here’s why:
Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, it comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy days.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can whip this up in advance, making it an ideal choice for potlucks or family meals.
Versatile Ingredients: The recipe allows for ingredient swaps based on personal preferences or what’s available in your pantry.
Health Benefits: It’s chock-full of nutrients. Broccoli is known for its high vitamin C and fiber content.
Crowd-Pleaser: I’ve brought this dish to many gatherings, and trust me, it disappears quickly!
Ready to gather the ingredients? Here’s what you’ll need.
Ingredients
To make this simple yet flavorful broccoli salad, gather the following:
8 cups broccoli florets, trimmed and chopped into bite-sized pieces
1/3 cup finely diced red onion
1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds
1/2 cup dried tart cranberries
1/4 cup crisp cooked bacon pieces (I’ve reduced this from 1/2 cup to balance flavors)
Dressing Ingredients
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (adds a subtle tang and depth)
1 cup creamy mayonnaise
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Start by washing the broccoli under cold water. Trim the florets to bite-sized pieces. You want them small enough to make it easy to mix with the other ingredients. This might take a few minutes, but it’s worth the effort.
Step 2: Dice the Onion
Finely dice the red onion. The key here is to chop it small enough so that it evenly distributes throughout the salad without overwhelming every bite with onion flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
If you’re using bacon, cook it until crispy. Let it drain on paper towels before chopping it into small pieces. The crispy texture will add a delightful crunch to your salad.
Step 4: Toast the Sunflower Seeds
In a dry skillet, toast the sunflower seeds over low heat. Stir frequently until they turn golden and fragrant. This step is essential for enhancing their flavor.
Step 5: Mix the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. This dressing is like the cherry on top—make sure it’s well-balanced!
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, diced onion, toasted sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and bacon pieces. Pour the dressing over the mixture. Toss everything together until well coated in the dressing.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold, and enjoy the deliciousness!
Tips & Tricks
Here are some tips to make your broccoli salad even better:
Use Fresh Ingredients: Try to use the freshest broccoli and other veggies to maximize flavor and nutrition.
Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your taste, you can add more or less sugar to the dressing.
Let It Chill: Allow your salad to sit in the fridge for an hour. It not only cools it down but enhances the flavors!
Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add different nuts, seeds, or even other veggies like bell peppers or carrots.
Storage Is Key: Store leftover salad in an airtight container. It will keep well for several days.
Nutrition Information
Let’s break down what’s in this delightful salad. Here’s the estimated nutrition information per serving (based on 8 servings):
Calories: 150
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 5g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 120mg
Note:
Nutritional values can vary based on ingredient modifications and serving sizes.
How Can You Store This Broccoli Salad Recipe?
To store the salad:
- Use an Airtight Container: This will keep it fresh and prevent odors from the fridge affecting the salad.
- Chill in the Fridge: This dish is best stored in the refrigerator. It’ll keep for up to 3-5 days.
- Don’t Top with Dressing Until Ready to Serve: If you plan to keep and enjoy leftovers, consider leaving the dressing on the side until you’re ready to serve. This helps the broccoli retain its crunch.
Alternative Ingredient Choices
Sometimes you might not have all the ingredients on hand. Here are alternative choices you can consider:
Use Almonds or Walnuts Instead of Sunflower Seeds: These nuts provide a different flavor and a good crunch. Toast them lightly for enhanced taste.
Substitute Greek Yogurt for Mayonnaise: If you prefer a lighter dressing, Greek yogurt can replace the mayonnaise. This adds protein and reduces calories.
Try Different Dried Fruits: If cranberries aren’t available, raisins or chopped dried apricots can work. They introduce new flavors while keeping the sweetness.
Got it? Let’s move on to a few frequently asked questions.
Conclusion
Broccoli salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that can truly brighten up any gathering. Plus, it’s loaded with health benefits, making it an essential part of a balanced meal. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your ingredient swaps and make it your own!
So the next time you’re planning a cookout or just need a quick dish for a family dinner, remember this broccoli salad recipe. It’s fresh, fun, and fabulously easy. With this salad as an option, you’re set for culinary success!
Now, grab your ingredients and get mixing. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Broccoli Salad Recipe – Simple Food Dishes
Description
As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I know the importance of incorporating nutritious foods into our meals. Broccoli is a powerhouse. It's packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. But let's face it. Eating plain steamed broccoli every day can be a bit boring.
Enter broccoli salad—an explosion of flavors and textures, sprinkled with the charm of extra ingredients that make it shine on your table. This dish isn’t just about health; it’s about taste, too. So let’s explore this crowd-pleasing recipe that has earned a spot at so many of my gatherings.
Ingredients
Dressing Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
-
Start by washing the broccoli under cold water. Trim the florets to bite-sized pieces. You want them small enough to make it easy to mix with the other ingredients. This might take a few minutes, but it’s worth the effort.
Step 2: Dice the Onion
-
Finely dice the red onion. The key here is to chop it small enough so that it evenly distributes throughout the salad without overwhelming every bite with onion flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
-
If you’re using bacon, cook it until crispy. Let it drain on paper towels before chopping it into small pieces. The crispy texture will add a delightful crunch to your salad.
Step 4: Toast the Sunflower Seeds
-
In a dry skillet, toast the sunflower seeds over low heat. Stir frequently until they turn golden and fragrant. This step is essential for enhancing their flavor.
Step 5: Mix the Dressing
-
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste. This dressing is like the cherry on top—make sure it’s well-balanced!
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
-
In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, diced onion, toasted sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and bacon pieces. Pour the dressing over the mixture. Toss everything together until well coated in the dressing.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
-
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold, and enjoy the deliciousness!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 150kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 9g14%
- Saturated Fat 1.5g8%
- Cholesterol 10mg4%
- Sodium 120mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 15g5%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 4g8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Try to use the freshest broccoli and other veggies to maximize flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your taste, you can add more or less sugar to the dressing.
- Let It Chill: Allow your salad to sit in the fridge for an hour. It not only cools it down but enhances the flavors!
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add different nuts, seeds, or even other veggies like bell peppers or carrots.
- Storage Is Key: Store leftover salad in an airtight container. It will keep well for several days.
