Broccoli Salad Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Broccoli salad is a fresh and delicious dish that combines healthy ingredients with tasty flavors. It’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering. This salad is not only easy to prepare, but it also packs in nutrients while being delightful to eat.

How to Make Broccoli Salad

Ingredients:

1 cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon celery seed
2 heads broccoli (broken down into small florets, about 5 cups)
12 ounces bacon (cooked and chopped)
½ cup almonds (toasted, slivered)
2 green onions (thinly sliced)
1 cup celery (chopped)
1 ½ cups red seedless grapes (halved)

Directions:

Prepare Broccoli Salad Dressing: In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, red wine vinegar, and celery seed until smooth.
Assemble Broccoli Salad: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, bacon, almonds, green onions, celery, and grapes. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well-coated.

How to Serve Broccoli Salad

Broccoli salad can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for a bit. It makes a great side dish alongside grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal. For added flair, consider garnishing with extra toasted almonds or chopped green onions.

How to Store Broccoli Salad

To store the leftover broccoli salad, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best eaten within 3-4 days. If you anticipate leftovers, consider keeping the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.

Tips to Make Broccoli Salad

Make sure to cook the bacon crispy for the best texture and flavor.
You can modify the sweetness of the salad by adjusting the amount of sugar in the dressing.
For added crunch, consider using other nuts like walnuts or pecans instead of almonds.

Variation

Feel free to add other ingredients to the salad such as shredded carrots, dried cranberries, or sunflower seeds for extra flavor and texture. You can also swap the grapes for diced apples or pears for a different twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this salad?
It’s best to use fresh broccoli for a crisp texture, but frozen broccoli can work. Make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.

2. Is there a vegan version of this salad?
Yes! You can substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan mayonnaise and replace bacon with a plant-based crunchy topping like chickpeas or avocado for extra creaminess.

3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day ahead. Just keep the dressing separate until right before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crunchy.