What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This broccoli salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s both delicious and easy to make. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a dish you’ll want to keep coming back to.
- Fresh and Crunchy: The crisp broccoli, combined with crunchy nuts and seeds, gives every bite a satisfying texture.
- Creamy Dressing: A tangy, slightly sweet dressing ties everything together, making it irresistibly creamy without being heavy.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like bacon, cranberries, or cheese to make it your own.
Recipe
This homemade broccoli salad is a revitalizing and nutritious dish, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light side for any meal. It combines fresh broccoli with a creamy, tangy dressing and a mix of crunchy add-ins for a delightful texture and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli florets (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli florets, red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes:
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and vinegar to suit your taste preferences.
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 0 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including chilling)
Cuisine: American
Serving: 6 servings
Nutrition
This homemade broccoli salad is packed with nutrients and flavor. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Sodium | 280mg |
| Total Carbs | 16g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 10g |
| Protein | 5g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing this broccoli salad with grilled chicken for a light yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for dinner. It also works great alongside pasta dishes, adding a fresh, crunchy contrast to creamy or tomato-based sauces. Let me share some ideas to make your meal even more delicious!
Grilled Chicken Pairing
When you’re grilling up juicy chicken, you’ll want sides that complement it without stealing the spotlight. A homemade broccoli salad is my go-to because it’s fresh, crunchy, and just tangy enough to balance the smoky flavors of the chicken. I love how the creamy dressing ties everything together, while the broccoli and add-ins like raisins or sunflower seeds add texture. It’s light enough to let the chicken shine but still satisfying. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare ahead of time, so you can focus on perfecting that grill. Trust me, this pairing’s a winner for any summer cookout or weeknight dinner.
Pasta Complements
Whether you’re twirling spaghetti or digging into a cheesy baked ziti, pasta’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with all sorts of sides. I love serving garlic bread when I’m craving something warm and crusty—it’s perfect for soaking up sauces. A fresh garden salad adds a crisp contrast, especially if it’s loaded with veggies. Roasted vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, bring a smoky touch that complements creamy Alfredo or tangy marinara. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll whip up a caprese salad for a burst of freshness. Don’t forget a chilled glass of wine or sparkling water to round it all out!
