Are you in search of a refreshing and vibrant salad that makes an excellent side dish for any meal? This broccoli salad is just what you need! It’s packed with nutrients and flavor, making it a perfect addition to your gatherings or even just a simple weeknight dinner. The combination of crunchy broccoli, sweet raisins, and savory bacon creates a delightful balance that everyone will love.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or substituting what you have on hand. Whether you’re a fan of nuts, cheese, or additional veggies, this salad welcomes creativity and will impress your taste buds.
Fresh Ingredients Make the Difference
The foundation of any great salad lies in its ingredients.
In this broccoli salad, fresh green florets shine brightly, providing a crisp texture and vibrant color.
The addition of finely chopped red onion adds a zesty kick, while sweet raisins contribute a delightful contrast to the savory elements.
Crispy bacon bits lend a satisfying crunch, enriching the salad’s overall flavor profile.
A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese enhances the taste, rounding out the dish beautifully.
Every bite is a journey through textures and tastes, making it a standout addition to any meal.
Simple Preparation Steps
Creating this salad is a straightforward process.
Start by washing and cutting the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
Blanching them briefly in boiling water helps maintain their bright color and crunch.
Follow this with an ice bath to halt the cooking process, keeping the broccoli fresh and vibrant.
Next, whip up a creamy dressing by mixing mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
This simple dressing ties together the various ingredients, adding a luscious texture to the salad.
Customization for Every Palate
One of the great things about this salad is its versatility.
Feel free to experiment by adding your favorite ingredients or substituting based on what you have at home.
Add nuts for an extra crunch, or toss in additional veggies for a more colorful presentation.
This broccoli salad can easily cater to varying dietary preferences, making it a fantastic choice for gatherings.
Everyone can enjoy a bowl tailored to their tastes, ensuring that nobody feels left out at the table.
Perfect for Summer Gatherings
With its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors, this salad is an ideal dish for summer.
Picture it on a rustic wooden table, perfectly garnished and ready to delight your guests.
Its bright appearance and delightful combination of ingredients evoke a sense of warmth and hospitality, making it perfect for potlucks and barbecues.
Everyone will be drawn to its inviting nature, and it’s a fantastic way to incorporate healthy veggies into your meal.
Serve it chilled for optimal freshness, and watch as it becomes a crowd favorite!
Storage and Serving Tips
Once prepared, this salad benefits from a little time in the refrigerator.
Chilling for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste experience.
For best results, give it a gentle toss right before serving to redistribute the dressing and ingredients evenly.
When it comes to leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
While the salad tastes wonderfully fresh on the first day, it can last for a couple of days, making it a great option for meal prep.
Nutritional Benefits
This broccoli salad not only tantalizes the taste buds but also provides numerous nutritional benefits.
Packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh broccoli and other ingredients, it’s a wholesome addition to your diet.
The combination of protein from the bacon and cheese, along with the fiber from the raisins and broccoli, contributes to a balanced meal.
Enjoy it guilt-free, knowing you’re treating yourself to a dish that tastes good and supports a healthy lifestyle.
Whether as a side dish or a light meal, this salad checks all the boxes!
Delicious and Easy Broccoli Salad
This classic broccoli salad features crisp florets, tangy dressing, and a delightful mix of textures. It’s fresh, crunchy, and slightly sweet, making it a fantastic side dish for potlucks or barbecues.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Wash and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Blanch in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the blanched broccoli, red onion, raisins, crumbled bacon, sunflower seeds, and cheddar cheese to the dressing. Toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Give the salad a gentle toss before serving. Enjoy your refreshing broccoli salad!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
