You know those days when the sun is just a little too bright, and you crave something crisp, cool, and utterly refreshing? That’s when this Broccoli Grape Cucumber Salad comes to mind. It’s like a splash of cold water on a sweltering afternoon—simple to whip up, yet unexpectedly delightful. It’s as if your taste buds have discovered a new shade of green, and you can’t help but savor every bite.
Steps
- Cook the bacon in a skillet until brown, then transfer it to a plate. In another dry skillet, toast the pine nuts over medium heat until they are golden brown and fragrant, then set aside.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the chopped broccoli, sliced cucumber, halved grapes, finely chopped red onion, cooked bacon, and toasted pine nuts.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and mix well to ensure everything is coated evenly.
- Serve the salad cold, either as a side dish or a main course.
Ingredients
- 6 oz bacon, chopped and browned
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted (alternatively, sunflower seeds)
- 1 lb broccoli crowns (approximately 2 medium heads), cut into small florets
- 1/2 English cucumber, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1590 kcal | Carbs: 102 g | Protein: 54 g | Fat: 114 g | Saturated Fat: 18 g | Cholesterol: 48 mg | Sodium: 4854 mg | Potassium: 2346 mg | Fiber: 18 g | Sugar: 60 g | Vitamin A: 3204 IU | Vitamin C: 432 mg | Calcium: 258 mg | Iron: 6 mg
FAQ
- Is Broccoli Grape Salad a Healthy Option?
- Yes, broccoli is a highly nutritious vegetable, being low in calories and carbohydrates while providing essential vitamins such as K, C, and A. It is also a good source of Vitamin B6, manganese, fiber, and folate.
- Can I Use a Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Dressing?
- If you prefer not to use mayonnaise, you can replace it with an equal mix of sour cream and mayonnaise or use only sour cream. If opting for sour cream, consider adding a bit more sugar to balance its tangy flavor.
- Can the Broccoli Salad be Prepared in Advance?
- Absolutely, you can prepare the salad ingredients and store them in a bowl. Keep the dressing separate and mix it into the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.
- What are Some Good Dishes to Bring to a Potluck Alongside this Salad?
- Consider bringing dishes like Egg Salad, Avocado Corn Salad, Chicken Potato Salad, Deviled Eggs, or Strawberry Pretzel Salad, as they are well-received and can often be prepared in advance.
- How Do I Make Broccoli Grape Salad?
- First, brown the bacon and toast the pine nuts. Combine all the prepared salad ingredients in a bowl. Mix the dressing ingredients until smooth and stir it into the salad. Serve chilled.
Tips
- Make Ahead for Convenience: To save time on the day of serving, prepare all salad ingredients in advance and store them in a bowl. Keep the dressing separate and mix it into the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
- Customize Ingredients: Feel free to substitute ingredients based on personal preference or availability. For example, use broccolini instead of broccoli for a sweeter taste, or replace pine nuts with sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a different texture and flavor.
- Adjust the Dressing to Taste: If you prefer a tangier dressing, consider using sour cream instead of mayonnaise or a combination of both. You may need to add a bit more sugar to balance the tanginess of the sour cream.
- Perfect for Potlucks: This salad is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main course. It pairs well with dishes like mashed potatoes and pork tenderloin, making it a great choice for potluck gatherings.
Equipment
- Slotted Spoon – Useful for removing the browned bacon from the skillet.
- Skillet – For browning bacon and toasting pine nuts.
- Mixing Bowls – For combining the salad ingredients and mixing the dressing.
- Chef’s Knife – For chopping the broccoli, cucumber, grapes, and onion.
- Cutting Board – For preparing all the salad ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – To measure ingredients for the salad and dressing accurately.
