Best Broccoli Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Best Broccoli Salad is a refreshing, crunchy side dish perfect for any meal or gathering. It combines fresh broccoli with tangy dressing, crispy bacon, and sweet cranberries for a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1⅓ lbs broccoli florets, finely chopped into bite-size pieces
- 8 slices crispy cooked bacon, chopped
- ⅓ cup chopped red onion
- ½ cup sweetened dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and ground black pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, chopped bacon, red onion, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds.
- Step 3: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Step 4: Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 5: Toss the salad again just before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness.
- Replace dried cranberries with raisins or chopped dried cherries for a different fruity twist.
- Toast the almonds lightly before adding for enhanced nutty flavor.
Storage
Store the broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, keep almonds separate and add just before serving if storing longer. Gently toss before serving after refrigeration.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this broccoli salad ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes great when made a few hours ahead. Just be sure to toss it again before serving to refresh the dressing.
What can I substitute for bacon in this recipe?
If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using roasted chickpeas or smoked tempeh for a similar smoky crunch.
PrintBest Broccoli Salad Recipe
This best broccoli salad recipe combines crisp broccoli florets with a creamy, tangy dressing, enhanced by the savory crunch of bacon, the sweetness of dried cranberries, and the nutty flavor of sliced almonds. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a refreshing and easy-to-make side dish perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1½ tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Salad
- 1⅓ lbs broccoli florets, finely chopped into bite-size pieces
- 8 slices crispy cooked bacon, chopped
- ⅓ cup chopped red onion
- ½ cup sweetened dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the finely chopped broccoli florets, chopped crispy bacon, chopped red onion, sweetened dried cranberries, and sliced almonds. Mix these ingredients gently to distribute them evenly.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture. Toss everything together carefully to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly coated with the dressing.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for 1 to 2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the broccoli to slightly soften.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients evenly. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a healthier version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- To add crunch, toast the almonds lightly before adding them to the salad.
- This salad tastes best when allowed to chill, but can be served immediately if needed.
- Customize the salad by adding sunflower seeds or shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
- Make sure to chop broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces for easier eating and better dressing coverage.
Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon broccoli salad, sweetened broccoli salad, healthy broccoli salad, easy salad recipe, no cook salad
