Delicious Broccoli Salad Recipe: A Complete Guide for Families is not only a vibrant and tasty dish but also a fantastic way to get your family excited about eating their greens. This salad combines fresh broccoli with savory bacon, sweet cranberries, and nutty sunflower seeds, creating a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Perfect for busy days or family gatherings, this recipe is simple to prepare and can easily be customized to fit your taste.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)
Servings: 8
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 286
Protein: 9g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 562mg
Why Make Delicious Broccoli Salad Recipe: A Complete Guide for Families
Delicious Broccoli Salad Recipe: A Complete Guide for Families offers an array of health benefits, making it an ideal choice for any meal. Broccoli is packed with vitamins C and K, while bacon adds a hearty flavor that is hard to resist. The combination of crunchy vegetables and creamy dressing not only fills you up but also gives your body the nutrients it needs. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted with various add-ins based on your family’s preferences, ensuring everyone feels included at the table.
How to Make Delicious Broccoli Salad Recipe: A Complete Guide for Families Step by Step
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 8 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or slivered almonds
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
For the dressing: - 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (or honey)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional add-ins: - 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Directions
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli florets, bacon, red onion, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and cheddar cheese.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) to allow flavors to meld.
- Stir well before serving, and add optional toppings if desired.
How to Serve Delicious Broccoli Salad Recipe: A Complete Guide for Families
Serve this delicious broccoli salad as a side dish to grilled chicken or burgers for a delightful contrast of flavors. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or can stand alone as a light lunch option. You can also serve it alongside a refreshing fruit salad for a balanced meal.
How to Store Delicious Broccoli Salad Recipe: A Complete Guide for Families
To store your broccoli salad, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container before placing it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days. If you want to extend its lifespan, you can freeze the salad, but be aware that the texture may differ once thawed. Always enjoy it cold or at room temperature, as reheating may not be suitable for this dish.
Expert Tips for Cooking Delicious Broccoli Salad Recipe: A Complete Guide for Families
- For added crunch, toast sunflower seeds or almonds before adding them to the salad.
- If you prefer a tangier salad, increase the amount of apple cider vinegar in the dressing.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties—feta or pepper jack can bring an exciting twist.
- To make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and consider adding more nuts or chickpeas for protein.
- Allow the salad to chill for a longer time; this enhances the flavors even more.
Delicious Variations of Delicious Broccoli Salad Recipe: A Complete Guide for Families
For a spicy kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. A citrus-based version of this salad with orange segments and a citrus vinaigrette makes for a refreshing variation. You can also create a herbed mix by adding fresh dill or cilantro for a fragrant touch.
Frequently Asked Questions about Delicious Broccoli Salad Recipe: A Complete Guide for Families
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead of time. Just prepare it a few hours to a day before serving to let the flavors meld.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Fresh broccoli is recommended for the best texture, but if using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it properly.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are gluten-free, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Conclusion
Don’t miss out on trying Delicious Broccoli Salad Recipe: A Complete Guide for Families. This flavorful, easy-to-make dish is not only a hit at family gatherings but also a great way to enjoy healthy ingredients that everyone will love. Give it a try today, and you might find it becoming a regular on your dinner table!
Delicious Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or slivered almonds
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
For the Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar or honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli florets, bacon, red onion, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and cheddar cheese.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) to allow flavors to meld.
- Stir well before serving, and add optional toppings if desired.
