This Easy Creamy Broccoli Salad is a colorful mix of fresh broccoli, crunchy nuts, and sweet raisins all tossed in a smooth dressing. It’s a tasty side dish that everyone will love!
Honestly, I can’t resist sneaking some of this salad while I’m preparing it! It’s great for potlucks or just a fun weekday treat. Plus, who knew healthy could taste this good?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are the star here. They offer crunch and flavor. If you’re short on fresh, frozen broccoli can work too, just thaw it out and dry off the excess moisture.
Bacon: Cooked bacon adds a nice smoky crunch. Turkey bacon or plant-based bacon can be excellent substitutes if you’re looking for something lower in fat or vegetarian options.
Dried cranberries: They provide sweetness and chewiness. If you don’t have them, raisins or chopped apples can be a great alternative for a fruity touch.
Sunflower seeds: For nutty goodness and crunch, sunflower seeds are perfect. If you’re allergic to nuts, pumpkin seeds are nut-free and work wonderfully!
Feta cheese: This adds creaminess and a salty flavor. If feta isn’t on hand, try goat cheese or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for a different taste.
How Do You Make the Dressing Perfectly Creamy?
Creating a smooth dressing is essential for ensuring it coats all the ingredients well. Start by mixing the mayonnaise with your vinegar of choice—apple cider vinegar gives a nice tang. Then, adding honey or sugar balances the flavors nicely. Here are some tips:
- Whisk vigorously to eliminate lumps and achieve a creamy texture.
- You can adjust the sweetness by tasting the dressing and adding a little more honey or sugar if you prefer.
- Don’t forget salt and pepper! They enhance the flavors and make your dressing pop.
Let it sit for a bit after mixing—this helps the flavors meld and improves the dressing’s taste. Enjoy the freshness of this delightful salad!
Easy Creamy Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey or sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Time Needed
Preparing this delicious Easy Creamy Broccoli Salad will take about 15 minutes, plus an additional 30 minutes for chilling. So, you’re looking at around 45 minutes total, but most of that is hands-off time while it chills!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Broccoli:
Start by washing your broccoli. Chop it into bite-sized florets. If you want it a bit softer, you can blanch it: Steam or boil the florets for only 1 minute, then quickly put them in ice water to keep them bright and slightly tender. Raw is great too if you want extra crunch!
2. Cook the Bacon:
If you’re not using pre-cooked bacon, cook some bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until they’re crispy. Once cooked, drain on paper towels and chop into small pieces. This will add a savory, smoky flavor to your salad!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar (apple cider or white) and honey (or sugar). Add salt and pepper to your taste. Keep whisking until it’s smooth and creamy—this will be the luscious flavor base for our salad!
4. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets, cooked bacon, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and red onion. If you’re adding feta cheese, sprinkle that in as well for some creamy richness.
5. Add the Dressing:
Now, pour that delicious creamy dressing over your mix of ingredients. Gently toss everything together, making sure all the broccoli and goodies are coated evenly.
6. Chill:
Cover the salad with cling film or a lid, and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This will help the flavors come together and the dressing to thicken slightly.
7. Serve:
Before serving, give the salad another light toss. Enjoy it cold as a delightful, fresh side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal!
This Easy Creamy Broccoli Salad is not just vibrant and refreshing, but it also beautifully balances the crispness of fresh broccoli with the sweetness of cranberries and the crunch of seeds and bacon. Dig in and savor every bite!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Broccoli Salad
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry to remove excess moisture. This will help maintain the texture and avoid a soggy salad.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Broccoli Salad?
Leftover broccoli salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Just give it a good stir before serving again!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Absolutely! You can make the salad up to a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge. This will allow the flavors to meld, making it even tastier when you serve it!
What Can I Substitute for Bacon to Make It Vegetarian?
If you want a vegetarian option, you can use crispy chickpeas, sunflower seeds, or even crumbled tempeh. You can also skip the bacon altogether and add a little smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness!
