Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s been staple at every meal. I have been involved in family gatherings, potlucks and summer barbecues for as long as I can remember.What is Broccoli Salad Recipe. Seriously, this stuff disappears faster than you can say “seconds!” “It’s like a creamy coleslaw, but instead of cabbage, we’re loading it up with crisp broccoli.” florets, crunchy bacon, and a tangy-sweet dressing that’s just… *chef’s kiss*. What are some of the best side dishes to serve with a salad? My aunt used to make a similar one, but I’ve tweaked it over the years to reach peak deliciousness. What is a perfect balance of sweet and savory in this broccoli salad?
What is broccoli salad?
What exactly is *is*?Broccoli SaladWhat are some of the best Side Dishes for summer? All tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. Served with bacon, cheese, red onion, feta cheese and sliced tomatoes. What is the tang What is a salad? It’s essentially a textural symphony of crunchy broccoli, crispy bacon, and the smoothness of the flavor. What is the best part about Mix-Ins? Is a great alternative to heavier potato salads or pasta salad? What is the best way to eat veggies?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to love this movie?What is Broccoli Salad Recipe, but let’s break down a few of the biggest ones. First off, the flavor is just incredible. You’ve got the slight bitterness of the broccoli playing beautifully with the salty bacon, the sharpness of the red onion, and the sweet-and-tangy dressing that pulls it all together. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite!
Secondly, the simplicity of this recipe is a huge win. You don’t need to be a master chef to whip this up. Chopping the veggies is probably the most “difficult” part, and even that’s pretty easy! It’s a total lifesaver when you need a quick and impressive side dish for a last-minute barbecue or potluck.
And let’s talk about cost. Broccoli is pretty budget-friendly, and the other ingredients are usually things you already have in your pantry. Plus, a little bit goes a long way, so one batch can feed a crowd.
What I love most about this Broccoli SaladIs it possible to have a very versatile computer? Can you serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or burgers? Is it a good meal on its own? Is it really that easy to swap out ingredients? Personal preferences. Can you add cranberries or sunflower seeds for extra crunch? What is healthier than a lot of traditional sides?
How do you make a Broccoli Salad?
Quick Overview
Making this What is Broccoli Salad RecipeWhat’s a good recipe for chopping broccoli, tossing it with bacon, red onion, and cheese? What mix-ins you like), and then coating it all in a creamy, sweet, and tangy dressing. What is the beauty of this recipe? I don’t need any fancy cooking equipment or cooking skills to cook. Just a little bit of chopping, mixing, and chilling and you’re good to go! Is it so easy to make this all summer long?
Ingredients
For the Salad:
* 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets. I always go for fresh broccoli – it has the best crunch. Frozen broccoli can get a little soggy.
* 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled. Real bacon is the way to go! You can cook it in the oven, in a pan, or even in the microwave (I won’t judge!). For the Broccoli SaladI like my fries crispy.
* 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped. I find that red onion has the perfect bite for this salad, but you can use a sweet onion if you prefer a milder flavor.
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar adds a nice flavor contrast to the sweetness of the dressing, but you can use any cheese you like.
*Optional additions: sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, raisins, chopped walnuts
For the Dressing:
* 1 cup mayonnaise. Full-fat mayo is the classic choice, but you can use light mayo or Greek yogurt to lighten it up. I’ve even tested it with avocado mayo and it worked great!
* 1/4 cup Apple Cider vinegar. The vinegar adds a tangy kick that balances out the sweetness of the dressing. You can substitute with white vinegar or lemon juice if you’re in a pinch.
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. You can also use honey or maple syrup as a natural sweetener.
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. Dijon mustard adds a nice depth of flavor to the dressing. Yellow mustard will also work, but Dijon is my go-to.
* Salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to season!
What are the steps of
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Start by washing the broccoli thoroughly. Cut the head of broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. The smaller the florets, the easier it will be to eat! You can also use the broccoli stems if you like – just peel them and chop them into small pieces. I like to blanch the broccoli for about a minute in boiling water, then shock it in an ice bath to keep it crisp and vibrant green. But if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and use the broccoli raw.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy. I prefer to bake my bacon in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, but you can cook it however you want. Once the bacon is cooked, let it cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces. What is the best part of the whole process?
Step 3: Chop the Red Onion
Finely chop the red onion. If you’re sensitive to the taste of raw onion, you can soak it in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow out the flavor.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Apple Cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. I sometimes add a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.
Step 5: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, chopped red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to overmix, or the broccoli will start to break down.
Step 6: Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will give the flavors a chance to meld together. I find that it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. If you are making this salad ahead, consider keeping some of the bacon separate to add right before serving so it stays crispy.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the Broccoli Salad cold. You can garnish it with extra crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, or sunflower seeds if you like. Enjoy! This is the moment you’ve been waiting for!
What to Serve It With
This What is the best broccoli Salad Recipe?Is super versatile and goes well with anything!For a BBQ: Pair it with grilled burgers, hot dogs, chicken, or ribs. It’s the perfect counterpoint to the smoky flavors of the grill.
For a Potluck:What are the best ways to bring this to your next potluck or picnic? What are some good summer picnic recipes?For a Light Lunch:What are some good ways to serve salad on its own? Can you add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein?As a side dish: What is the best way Serve it alongside your favorite main courses, such as baked ham, roasted chicken, or grilled salmon.
My family tradition involves serving this salad with our annual Fourth of July barbecue. It’s become a must-have! Last year, my cousin even added some grilled pineapple to his portion – he said it was amazing! Experiment and find what works best for you. I’ve also seen people try it as a topping for wraps or sandwiches!
How do I prepare a Broccoli Salad?
Want to take your Broccoli Salad Recipe to the next level? Here are a few of my top tips:
Broccoli Prep: Make sure to cut the broccoli into small, uniform florets for the best texture. If you’re using raw broccoli, blanching it for a minute in boiling water will help to soften it slightly and make it easier to digest.
Bacon Perfection: Cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy, but don’t overcook it or it will be too hard to crumble. I like to bake my bacon in the oven for even cooking and easy cleanup.
Red Onion Taming: If you’re sensitive to the taste of raw onion, soak the chopped red onion in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow out the flavor. You can also use a sweet onion instead of red onion for a milder flavor.
Dressing Customization: Don’t be afraid to adjust the dressing to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter salad, add more sugar. If you like it tangier, add more vinegar. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, to customize the flavor.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. You can use different types of cheese, nuts, or dried fruit. You can also add other vegetables, such as cauliflower, carrots, or celery.
When I first started making this salad, I didn’t blanch the broccoli and it was a little too crunchy for some people. Blanching it for just a minute makes all the difference! Also, I once tried using pre-shredded cheese and it didn’t melt into the salad as nicely. Freshly shredded cheese is definitely the way to go.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Broccoli Salad Recipe is best served fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Here are a few tips for storing and reheating:
Room Temperature: Don’t leave the salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as it can spoil quickly.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dressing may separate slightly as it sits, so give it a good stir before serving.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the broccoli will become mushy when thawed.
Bacon Crispness: If you’re making the salad ahead of time, consider adding the crumbled bacon just before serving to keep it crispy.
One time, I made a big batch of this salad for a party and had a lot left over. I stored it in the fridge and it was still delicious the next day! However, the broccoli did lose some of its crunch, so keep that in mind if you’re making it in advance. Also, I find that the flavor intensifies as it sits, so it’s even better on the second day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to Broccoli Salad Recipe that’s always a hit! This salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a flavor explosion that will leave you wanting more. It is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard barbecue, a potluck, or just enjoying it as a light lunch, this salad is sure to impress.
If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other salad recipes for more delicious and easy meal ideas! I have a fantastic cucumber salad and a Watermelon Feta Salad that are both perfect for summer. If you try this Broccoli Salad, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. What are your favorite additions or variations? Happy salad-making!
Broccoli Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 head Broccoli
- 0.5 cup Bacon bits
- 1 cup Sunflower seeds
- 0.5 cup Red onion finely chopped
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon White wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, bacon bits, sunflower seeds, and red onion.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss to coat.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
