Broccoli—love it or leave it, right? But hold on, before you decide, let me tell you about this broccoli salad that might just change everything. It’s creamy, fresh, and somehow, it feels like a little celebration of green goodness in every bite.
Steps
- Thoroughly wash the broccoli and ensure it is completely dry. Cut the broccoli florets and stems into bite-sized pieces, which can be done up to four days ahead.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and granulated sugar to prepare the dressing. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then set the dressing aside.
- Combine the prepared broccoli, diced red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon bits in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss everything together until well coated.
- Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Broccoli salad can be prepared ahead and kept refrigerated for 24 hours. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for about 4-5 days.
Ingredients
- 8 cups of broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ? cup of diced red onion
- ½ cup of dried cranberries
- ¼ cup of sunflower seeds
- ½ cup of bacon bits
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3170 | Carbohydrates: 170g | Protein: 60g | Fat: 260g | Saturated Fat: 40g | Cholesterol: 180mg | Sodium: 3300mg | Potassium: 3650mg | Fiber: 30g | Sugar: 100g | Vitamin A: 5850IU | Vitamin C: 817mg | Calcium: 500mg | Iron: 10mg
FAQ
- Can I prepare Broccoli Salad in advance?
- Yes, Broccoli Salad can be made ahead of time. It can be stored in the refrigerator for at least an hour and up to 24 hours before serving. If you plan to prepare it even further in advance, keep the dressing separate and toss it with the salad a few hours before serving.
- How long will leftovers last?
- Leftover Broccoli Salad will last about 4-5 days in the refrigerator. Ensure it is stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Do I need to cook the broccoli before making the salad?
- No, the broccoli does not need to be cooked for this recipe. Simply wash and dry the broccoli thoroughly before cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
- Can I make a healthier version of the dressing?
- To make the dressing healthier, you can substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt and omit the bacon bits. A sugar substitute can also be used in place of granulated sugar.
- What other ingredients can I add to the Broccoli Salad?
- You can enhance the salad by adding different vegetables such as zucchini, cauliflower, celery, or peppers. Additionally, swapping sunflower seeds for chopped nuts like almonds or pecans can add variety to the dish.
Tips
- Prep Broccoli in Advance: Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli ahead of time to ensure it is ready to absorb the dressing properly. This step can be done up to four days in advance.
- Chill for Flavor: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This enhances the flavor as the broccoli has time to soak up the creamy dressing.
- Customize Your Add-ins: Feel free to add extra vegetables you have on hand, like zucchini, cauliflower, or bell peppers, to customize the salad to your taste.
- Healthier Dressing Swap: To make a lighter version of the salad, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt and omit the bacon bits.
Equipment
- Salad Spinner – Useful for washing and drying the broccoli thoroughly.
- Large Mixing Bowl – Necessary for combining all the ingredients together.
- Whisk – Needed to mix the dressing ingredients well.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – Required for accurately measuring ingredients like mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar.
