Looking for a refreshing and crunchy side dish that packs a punch? This broccoli salad is just what you need. Loaded with vibrant colors and textures, it’s perfect for potlucks or as a healthy side to your weeknight dinners. Plus, it comes together in no time, making it a convenient option for busy days.
This salad is not just about looks; it’s bursting with flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The tangy dressing, combined with the nuttiness of sunflower seeds and the sweetness of raisins, creates a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more. It’s a salad that can stand on its own, or complement your favorite grilled meats.
Ingredients that Shine
The foundation of this broccoli salad is built upon fresh, crisp broccoli florets. Their vibrant green color not only adds visual appeal but also provides essential nutrients.
Complementing the broccoli, you’ll find finely chopped red onions that contribute a subtle sharpness, while sweet dried cranberries introduce a nice contrast with their chewy texture and sweetness. Adding a crunchy element, sunflower seeds bring nuttiness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Creating the Creamy Dressing
A key component of this salad is its creamy dressing, which ties all the ingredients together. Made primarily with mayonnaise, it offers a rich base that balances the other flavors.
To elevate the dressing, apple cider vinegar adds a tangy note, while a touch of sugar helps to round out the flavors. The combination ensures that each bite is both satisfying and refreshing. Mixing these ingredients until smooth is crucial for an even distribution of flavor.
Preparation Steps
Preparing this salad is straightforward and quick. Start by washing and cutting the broccoli into bite-sized florets, then blanching them briefly to maintain their vibrant color and crispness.
After blanching, it’s important to plunge the broccoli into ice water to halt the cooking process. This technique helps retain the bright green hues and crunchy texture that make this salad so inviting.
Bringing It All Together
Once the broccoli has cooled, it’s time to assemble the salad. In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli with chopped red onions, shredded cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries.
Drizzling the creamy dressing over the mixture and tossing gently ensures that each ingredient is well-coated, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The salad should then be covered and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes, which helps enhance the taste.
Serving Suggestions
This broccoli salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. It makes for an excellent side dish for barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings. Its colorful presentation will surely attract attention on any dining table.
Moreover, this salad can be paired with a variety of main courses, such as grilled chicken or fish, adding a refreshing crunch to your meal. With its combination of textures and flavors, it could even stand alone as a light lunch option.
Storage Tips
If you happen to have leftovers, storing them is easy. Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consuming it within a few days is recommended to enjoy its freshness and flavor.
Keep in mind that the longer it sits, the softer the broccoli may become, so it’s best enjoyed soon after preparation. If you’re serving it later, consider adding a bit more dressing to revive the flavors and moisture.
A Refreshing Broccoli Salad with a Twist
This broccoli salad features crisp broccoli florets, crunchy red onion, and sweet dried cranberries, all tossed in a creamy dressing. It’s a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making it an irresistible addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Broccoli: Wash the broccoli and cut it into bite-sized florets. Blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes, then plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, red onion, cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, and raisins. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 200kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 15g