Introduction
When it comes to quick, delicious, and family-friendly salads, this easy broccoli salad recipe stands out as a crowd-pleaser. With its mix of fresh broccoli florets, crispy bacon, crunchy sliced almonds, sweet dried cranberries, and a simple yet flavorful four-ingredient dressing, this salad is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re heading to a potluck, planning a family reunion, or simply looking for a tasty side dish for your next pool party, this broccoli salad will impress everyone. Best of all, it comes together in just 10-15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks.
Why This Broccoli Salad is a Must-Try
This salad combines the best of both worlds: it’s nutritious and delicious. Broccoli, the star of the dish, is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a healthful addition to any meal. Paired with crispy bacon and crunchy almonds, it delivers a satisfying texture that contrasts beautifully with the sweet-tart cranberries. The dressing, a blend of mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and pepper, ties everything together with a creamy, tangy sweetness that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base for the dressing.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tangy vinegar.
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Gives the dressing a slight tartness that complements the other ingredients.
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper: Adds a hint of spice.
For the Salad:
- 1 1/3 lbs broccoli florets: Finely chopped into bite-size pieces; the main ingredient that provides crunch and nutrition.
- 8 slices crispy cooked bacon: Chopped; adds a salty, savory flavor that enhances the salad.
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion: Adds a sharp, pungent flavor and a bit of color.
- 1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries: Adds sweetness and a chewy texture.
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds: Adds a nutty crunch that complements the other textures.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and fresh ground black pepper. This dressing is simple yet flavorful, providing the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped broccoli florets, chopped bacon, red onions, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds. The variety of ingredients adds a range of textures and flavors to the salad, making each bite a delightful experience.
Step 3: Toss with Dressing
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the top of the broccoli mixture. Toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. This step ensures that every bite is full of flavor.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for 1-2 hours before serving. Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste. Before serving, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing.
Tips for the Best Broccoli Salad
- Refrigeration: For the best flavor, make sure to refrigerate the salad for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This chilling time allows the ingredients to absorb the dressing, making the salad even more delicious.
- Using Raw Broccoli: This recipe uses raw broccoli for its health benefits and crunch. However, if you prefer a more tender texture, you can blanch the broccoli first. To do this, bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the broccoli, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Make sure to dry the broccoli well with paper towels before adding it to the salad.
- Broccoli Florets vs. Stems: While the broccoli stem is edible, this recipe focuses on using the florets for their delicate texture and appearance. Make sure to chop the florets into small, bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
- Crisping Bacon: For the crispiest bacon, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches your desired level of crispness. Alternatively, you can bake it in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Adding Cheese: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding some shredded cheddar or crumbled feta cheese to the salad. This addition will make the salad even more indulgent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! This broccoli salad is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the salad up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Q: How long does broccoli salad last in the fridge?
A: Broccoli salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the texture of the broccoli and bacon may change slightly as they absorb the dressing over time.
Q: Can I substitute the mayonnaise in the dressing?
A: If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute part or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a light mayo. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
Q: What other ingredients can I add to this salad?
A: This salad is very versatile! You can add ingredients like shredded cheese, sunflower seeds, or even diced apples for extra flavor and texture.
Q: Is this broccoli salad gluten-free?
A: Yes, this broccoli salad is naturally gluten-free, as long as you ensure that all ingredients, particularly the mayonnaise and bacon, are certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
This family-friendly broccoli salad is a versatile dish that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. With its crunchy, savory, and slightly sweet profile, it offers something for everyone. Easy to make and packed with flavor, this salad is a must-have for your recipe collection. Whether you’re preparing it for a summer barbecue or a holiday feast, it’s a dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds.