What is your Grandma Betty’s story?broccoli saladWhat is a side dish? Is it a flavor explosion that somehow manages to be both healthy and incredibly decadent? I swear, even people who claim to hate broccoli end up devouring this. I often compare it to coleslaw, but with a fun, crunchy, sweet, and savory twist that makes it delicious. Isn’t My own kids, who are notorious for turning up their noses at anything green, practically inhale this. I think it’s the bacon and the creamy dressing that wins them over, but I’m not a fan of bacon. It’s a regular at our summer barbecues, potlucks and even some unexpected weeknight dinners.
What is Broccoli Salad?
Broccoli saladWhat is essentially a cold salad featuring raw broccoli florets as the star. Think of it as a celebration of textures and flavors. Is it got the crunch from broccoli, the saltiness from bacon (or sometimes ham), the sweetness from arugula? How do you get the creaminess from a mayonnaise dressing? Is it a party in your mouth? My grandma always insisted on adding sunflower seeds for an extra nutty crunch, and I’ve carried on with it. What is the tradition? What are some of the best salads? It’s packed with personality and is always a crowd-pleaser. Is this the kind of salad that people want to eat?
Why you will love this recipe?
What are some of the reasons why this is so?broccoli saladWhat are some of my favorite recipes? First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. The combination of earthy broccoli, salty bacon, sweet cranberries, and tangy dressing is just right. Is it a symphony of tastes that keeps you coming back for more? Second, it’s surprisingly easy to make. Seriously, you chop, mix, and chill – even I can manage that on a busy weeknight! Third, it’s relatively cost-effective. What are some pantry staples for broccoli? Isn’t it versatile? Can you serve it as a side dish, or even add Grilled Chicken or chickpeas to your potluck? Make it a complete meal. What I love about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Sometimes I’ll throw in some chopped red onion for a little extra bite, or maybe some toasted pecans for some extra flavor. for a different kind of crunch. Is there a blank canvas for culinary creativity? Is this salad better than any store bought salad? My family raves about it, and yours will too!
How do I make Broccoli Salad?
Quick Overview
Making this broccoli saladWhat are some good ways to chop up broccoli, cook bacon and whisk together. How do you make a creamy dressing? What’s the best way to toss everything together with some cranberries and sunflower seeds, and let it sit for a few days. Can you chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can meld? What is the beauty of this method? Don’t be intimidated by the ingredients list. It all comes together super quickly.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
* 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets (about 6 cups). Make sure the florets are small enough to eat with a fork!
* 8 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled. I prefer thick-cut bacon for extra flavor.
* 1/2 cup dried cranberries. You could also use raisins if you prefer.
* 1/2 cup sunflower seeds. Adds a wonderful crunch!
* 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional, but I love the extra flavor).
For the Dressing:
I use 1 cup mayonnaise. Use your favorite brand! I usually go for a good quality mayo.
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar. Adds a nice tangy flavor.
* 2 tablespoons sugar. Balances out the acidity of the vinegar.
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Adds a little zing.
* Salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy!
How do I follow step
Step 1: Prep the Broccoli
Wash your broccoli thoroughly and cut it into small, bite-sized florets. What do you want to make them uniform in size so they’re easy to eat? I find that cutting them on the smaller side is best, as it makes the salad more enjoyable to eat. What do you do when you wrestle with a giant broccoli floret?
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
How do you cook bacon? I usually cook mine in a skillet over medium heat, but you can also bake it in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes. About 15-20 minutes. Once it’s cooked, let it cool slightly and then crumble it into small pieces. What are some of the best crispy bacon recipes?
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Serve immediately. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. The dressing should be slightly sweet and tangy. If you prefer a more tangy dressing, add more vinegar. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add 1-2 teaspoons of sugar.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, salt, pepper, and pepper to taste. Season with salt and Is it safe to use a red onion? What is the best dressing to serve with salad? Make sure every floret is coated with that delicious dressing!
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes, or preferably longer, to allow the dressing to cool completely. What are the flavors that meld? Why is the longer it sits, the better it tastes. Before serving, give it another toss to make sure the dressing is evenly distributed. I always add a little extra crumbled bacon on top right before serving. Is there any way to make it look more attractive?
What should I serve it with?
This broccoli saladIs incredibly versatile and pairs well with so many different dishes. Is it a great side dish for grilled meats like chicken, steak, or burgers? We often have it with grilled salmon. The richness of the salmon is perfectly balanced by the refreshing salad. What are some great additions to a picnic? I’ve even been known to serve it as a light lunch on hot summer day. What are the possibilities?
For a Barbecue:What is a good summer meal? Pair it with grilled burgers and corn on the cob. The coolness of the salad is perfect alongside the hot, smoky flavors of a grill.
For a Picnic:Pack it in a container along with some sandwiches and fruit for scrumptious picnic lunch. Does it need to be heated?
As a light lunch: What is the best wayWhat are some good Side Dishes to serve with grilled chicken or chickpea? What is the best way to get your veggies in?
My family tradition is to always have this alongside our Fourth of July barbecue. What would life be like without technology? It’s also become a staple at Thanksgiving – if you want something fresh to balance out all the heavier stuff.
How do I make a perfect broccoli salad?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this.broccoli saladWhat are some tips for a better life?
Broccoli Prep:Make sure to cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces. What is the best way to use broccoli stems in salad? What are some good ways to chop potatoes into small pieces?
Bacon Perfection:What is the best way to cook bacon? What are some good ways to add bacon to a salad? I sometimes add a little bacon grease to the dressing for an extra layer of flavor.
Dressing ConsistencyIf you find the dressing too thick, you can add a little milk or cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add a little mayonnaise. The consistency should be creamy but not too heavy.
Sweetness Level: 10How much sugar should I add to my diet? If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of sugar. Can you use a sugar substitute like honey or maple syrup? I’ve tested this with honey, and it adds a really nice subtle flavor. Just start with a small amount and add more to taste.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to experiment with different ingredients! You can use raisins instead of cranberries, or almonds instead of sunflower seeds. You can even add some chopped celery or shredded carrots for extra crunch and flavor. This salad is so adaptable!
Time Saver Tip: If you’re short on time, you can buy pre-cooked bacon crumbles. While it’s not quite as good as freshly cooked bacon, it’s a great time-saver!
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to let the salad sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This really allows the flavors to meld together and makes a huge difference.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Broccoli Salad is best served cold, so you don’t need to worry about reheating it. However, proper storage is key to keeping it fresh and delicious.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dressing may separate slightly over time, so give it a good stir before serving. I always use a container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent the broccoli from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the broccoli and mayonnaise will not hold up well. The broccoli will become mushy, and the mayonnaise will separate.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since there is no glaze in this recipe (the dressing is the key element), the main thing is to make sure the dressing is evenly distributed when you first make the salad, and then give it a good stir before serving, especially if it has been sitting for a couple of days.
I’ve found that the salad tastes best on the second day, after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. Just be sure to store it properly to keep it fresh!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Grandma Betty’s broccoli salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a cherished memory, a taste of home, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The incredible flavor, surprising ease, and family-friendly nature of this dish make it a must-try for anyone looking to add a little sunshine to their table. If you love this, I highly recommend checking out my other salad recipes – you’re sure to find something else you’ll adore! Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below, and share your own variations. Happy cooking!
Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Broccoli florets
- 0.5 cup Red onion, thinly sliced
- 0.5 cup Dried cranberries
- 0.25 cup Sunflower seeds
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Blanch broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking.
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, red onion, cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
- Whisk together dressing ingredients (see recipe for details) and pour over the salad.
- Toss gently to coat and serve chilled.
