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Broccoli Salad Recipe

Broccoli Salad Recipe - Simple Food Dishes

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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Rest Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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!

Notes

  • 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.