why make this recipe
Broccoli salad is a fantastic dish that mixes crunchy vegetables with tasty flavors. It’s easy to make, nutritious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re having a picnic, barbecue, or just need a side dish, this salad is a great choice. With fresh broccoli and a sweet and creamy dressing, it will appeal to everyone.
how to make Broccoli Salad
Ingredients:
- 5-6 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 2/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup salted sunflower seeds
- 1/3 cup red onion
- 3/4 cup mayo
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 Tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 3 Tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, crumbled bacon, sunflower seeds, and red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated.
- You can serve it right away, but for the best flavors, refrigerate it for at least one hour before serving.
- Make sure to toss the salad again before serving. If you’re not eating it right away, keep it in the refrigerator.
how to serve Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad can be served as a side dish during meals or as part of a potluck. It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a light lunch option. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of extra cheddar cheese or some fresh herbs on top for added freshness.
how to store Broccoli Salad
To store leftover broccoli salad, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It should be good for about 3 to 5 days. Always stir it well before serving it again to refresh the flavors.
tips to make Broccoli Salad
- Make sure to cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
- If you like a bit of crunch, try toasting the sunflower seeds lightly before adding them.
- You can customize the dressing by adding a bit of garlic powder or substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat mayo or a healthier dressing option.
variation
You can change up the ingredients to suit your taste. Add in chopped apples or nuts for extra flavor. For a spicy kick, consider adding jalapeños. You can also use different cheeses, like feta or mozzarella, to mix things up.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the salad.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve for the best taste.
Is this salad suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are gluten-free. Just double-check the labels of any packaged items to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 5-6 cups broccoli florets Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese Can sprinkle extra cheese on top when serving.
- 2/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup crumbled bacon
- 1/2 cup salted sunflower seeds Consider toasting lightly for extra crunch.
- 1/3 cup red onion
Dressing Ingredients
- 3/4 cup mayo Can substitute with low-fat mayo.
- 1/4 cup sour cream Can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- 1 1/2 Tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 3 Tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, crumbled bacon, sunflower seeds, and red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated.
- You can serve it right away, but for the best flavors, refrigerate it for at least one hour before serving.
- Make sure to toss the salad again before serving.