Broccoli Salad

This Broccoli Salad is a delightful combination of crunchy vegetables and a creamy dressing, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or looking for a healthy side dish for dinner, this salad checks all the boxes. Its vibrant colors and rich flavors make it not only appetizing but also visually appealing. Plus, it can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for those busy days when you want something nutritious and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This broccoli salad comes together in just 15 minutes, so you can whip it up even on the busiest days.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fresh veggies, nuts, and yogurt, this salad is a great source of vitamins and healthy fats.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side for BBQs, potlucks, or even as a light lunch on its own.
• Creamy Yet Light: The combination of vegan mayo and Greek yogurt creates a creamy texture without being too heavy.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweetness from the cranberries and maple syrup makes this salad appealing to children and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To create your delicious broccoli salad, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right tools will make your preparation smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to easily toss all the ingredients together without spilling.
• Skillet: Ideal for toasting nuts and seeds, enhancing their flavor before adding them to the salad.
• Whisk: A whisk helps blend the dressing ingredients smoothly for an even consistency.

Ingredients

This creamy broccoli salad is the perfect mix of fresh, crunchy veggies tossed in a light and tangy dressing — ready in just 15 minutes!

For the Salad

• 2 medium heads broccoli (about 1½ pounds; cut into small florets and stems chopped into small pieces)
• ½ red onion (finely chopped)
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup almonds (chopped)
• ¼ cup seeds (sunflower or pumpkin)
• ½ packed cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (cut into strips with scissors or chopped)

For the Dressing

• ½ cup vegan mayo (or regular mayonnaise)
• ½ cup Greek yogurt (we use fat-free Greek yogurt; substitute non-dairy yogurt if needed)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or sugar)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Chop the Broccoli

Rinse, dry, and cut 2 medium heads of broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. Peel and chop the stems if needed. Add these to a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Toast the Nuts & Seeds

Chop ¼ cup almonds. In a skillet over medium heat, toast both the almonds and ¼ cup seeds for about 2 minutes. Stir often until golden brown. Let them cool before adding them to the salad.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup vegan mayo, ½ cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Add ½ red onion, ½ cup dried cranberries, toasted nuts and seeds, along with sun-dried tomatoes to the broccoli in your mixing bowl. Pour the dressing on top and toss everything together until well coated. Serve immediately or chill for about 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.

Enjoy your deliciously refreshing Broccoli Salad, perfect for any gathering or meal!

How to Serve Broccoli Salad

Broccoli salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with many meals. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious salad.

As a BBQ Side

• Great for summer cookouts, broccoli salad complements grilled meats beautifully and adds a refreshing crunch.

On Top of a Grain Bowl

• Add broccoli salad to your favorite grain bowl. It brings a creamy texture and vibrant flavor alongside rice or quinoa.

With a Protein

• Serve broccoli salad alongside grilled chicken or fish. The tangy dressing enhances the flavors of the protein.

As a Light Lunch

• Enjoy it on its own for a quick and healthy lunch option. The combination of ingredients makes it filling and nutritious.

At Potlucks

• This dish is always a hit at gatherings. Its colorful presentation and unique taste will impress your guests.

How to Perfect Broccoli Salad

To make your broccoli salad truly outstanding, consider these helpful tips for the best results.

• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh broccoli and crisp vegetables for the best texture and flavor.
• Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors meld beautifully.
• Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to replace almonds with walnuts or pecans for different textures and tastes.
• Adjust the Dressing: Experiment with the dressing by adding herbs like dill or parsley for an extra layer of flavor.
• Add Crunch: For an extra crunch, toss in some crispy chickpeas or croutons just before serving.
• Balance Flavors: Taste before serving and adjust seasoning as needed. A little more vinegar can brighten up the flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Broccoli Salad

Broccoli salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes, enhancing any meal. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky, grilled corn adds a delightful contrast to broccoli salad.
2. Baked Sweet Potatoes: These offer a sweet, earthy flavor that complements the tanginess of the salad perfectly.
3. Classic Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides another layer of texture while maintaining that fresh veggie vibe.
4. Vegetable Skewers: Colorful skewers filled with bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms are fun and flavorful companions.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers: These can be filled with grains or meat, making them hearty alongside the lightness of broccoli salad.
6. Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty side dish enhances your meal’s health factor while providing great taste and texture.
7. Caprese Salad: The fresh mozzarella and tomatoes in Caprese offer a creamy balance that works well next to broccoli salad.
8. Roasted Cauliflower: Add some roasted cauliflower seasoned with spices for an elegant side that’s easy to prepare.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your broccoli salad, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Avoiding these will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Overcooking the Broccoli: Cooking the broccoli too long can make it mushy. Always blanch for just 2-3 minutes to maintain a crisp texture.
• Skipping the Dressing: Some might forget the dressing entirely. Don’t skip it as it brings all the flavors together; mix well before serving.
• Not Toasting Nuts and Seeds: Raw nuts and seeds lack flavor. Toast them in a skillet for a couple of minutes to enhance their taste.
• Using Too Much Dressing: Adding excessive dressing can overwhelm the salad. Start with less and add more if needed after mixing.
• Ignoring Flavor Adjustments: Taste before serving! You may need extra salt or vinegar for a better balance of flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep salad undressed if planning to store for longer freshness.

Freezing Broccoli Salad

• Freezing is not recommended as it affects the texture of the broccoli.
• If necessary, freeze only the components (like nuts) and mix them later.

Reheating Broccoli Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread salad on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently until just warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Broccoli Salad?

Broccoli salad is a fresh dish made with raw broccoli florets mixed with other ingredients like nuts, seeds, and a creamy dressing.

How long does Broccoli Salad last?

If stored properly in an airtight container, broccoli salad can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Can I customize my Broccoli Salad?

Absolutely! You can add different veggies, swap nuts or seeds, or adjust the dressing ingredients based on your preferences.

Is Broccoli Salad healthy?

Yes! This broccoli salad includes nutritious ingredients like vegetables, nuts, and yogurt, making it a healthy choice for any meal.

Can I use different types of mayo?

Yes! You can substitute regular mayo with vegan mayo or any preferred alternative without changing the overall flavor significantly.

Final Thoughts

This creamy broccoli salad is not only quick to prepare but also packed with vibrant flavors. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Give this delicious recipe a try today!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Broccoli Salad

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves approximately 4

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Description

This creamy Broccoli Salad is a vibrant, nutritious dish that comes together in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or summer gatherings. Packed with crunchy broccoli, sweet dried cranberries, and toasted nuts, this salad is both satisfying and visually appealing. The creamy dressing, made from vegan mayo and Greek yogurt, provides a light yet flavorful coating that ties all the ingredients together beautifully. Whether served at a BBQ, as a side dish for dinner, or enjoyed alone for lunch, this salad is sure to impress everyone at the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 medium heads broccoli (about 1½ pounds)
• ½ red onion
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup almonds
• ¼ cup sunflower or pumpkin seeds
• ½ cup vegan mayo (or regular mayonnaise)
• ½ cup Greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

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Instructions

1. Chop the broccoli into small florets and add to a large mixing bowl.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped almonds and seeds for about 2 minutes until golden brown.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegan mayo, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
4. Add red onion, dried cranberries, toasted nuts and seeds to the broccoli. Pour the dressing over and toss until well coated. Serve immediately or chill for enhanced flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 3mg