Sunshine Broccoli Salad a Crowdpleasing Classic
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a bit of sunshine on your plate? Ever wondered how to make a salad that's actually exciting? This Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe is about to become your new best mate in the kitchen.
It’s proper tasty and super easy to knock together.
Sunshine Broccoli Salad Recipe : A Crowd Pleasing Classic
This Broccoli Salad is like a party in your mouth. Originating from good ol' American potlucks, it's a creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory delight.
Seriously, it’s a total crowd pleaser! It is ready in 1 hour.
Why You'll Love This Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe
Honestly, this isn't your average boring salad. It's packed with Healthy Salads benefits like fibre from the broccoli and healthy fats from the sunflower seeds.
Plus, it is a Perfect Side Dish for any BBQ or a cracking Picnic Salad Recipes option. Making it the perfect Summer Salad Recipes .
What Makes This Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries Special?
Oh my gosh, where do I start? It's the perfect balance of flavors. The creamy dressing coats the crunchy broccoli, while the bacon adds a salty kick.
Cranberries give it a sweet burst. It is truly a make-ahead Salad Recipes option that gets better over time.
Let's get to the good stuff, then!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Right, so you want to make the best Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe , yeah? Ace! This bit's all about the stuff you'll need.
No stress, it's all pretty simple. This creamy Broccoli Salad is a perfect side, I reckon! It really is the best Broccoli Salad Recipe
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
Here's what you need, both in proper measurements and "that looks about right" measures.
- Broccoli: 1 large head (about 700g ), cut into small florets. Get broccoli that's a vibrant green, nice and firm. If it's gone a bit yellow, give it a miss!
- Red Onion: 1/2 medium (about 75g ), finely chopped. Not too much, yeah? We don't want it overpowering.
- Bacon: 6 slices (around 150g ), cooked crispy and crumbled. Streaky bacon works best for that extra crunch.
- Sunflower Seeds: 1/2 cup (about 60g ), shelled. Adds a lovely nutty crunch.
- Dried Cranberries: 1/2 cup (about 80g ). The sweet against the salty bacon is just chef's kiss. This perfect picnic salad recipes needs a sweet contrast.
- Mayonnaise: 1 cup (about 240g ). Full fat mayo is the classic, but light mayo works too.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (about 30ml ). Adds a bit of tang.
- Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons (about 30ml ). Just a touch to balance the vinegar.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon (about 15ml ). Adds a bit of a kick.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (about 1g ). To taste, obviously.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (about 1g ). Freshly ground is best.
Honestly, finding decent cranberries can be a nightmare sometimes!
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!
- Essential Spice Combo: Salt and pepper, obvs. Dijon mustard gives it a bit of a zing.
- Flavor Enhancers: A pinch of paprika wouldn't go amiss!
- Quick Subs: No apple cider vinegar? White wine vinegar works too. Brown sugar instead of white? No worries.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Large mixing bowl.
- Small bowl for the dressing.
- Frying pan (for the bacon).
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Chopping board and knife.
No need for fancy gadgets! A healthy salads like this Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries shouldn't be a drama.
Alright, that's the gear sorted. Now, let's get cooking, yeah? Think Summer Salad Recipes and good times. This also doubles as one of my top make-ahead Salad Recipes , which is just bloody brilliant.
You'll see!
Sunshine Broccoli Salad: A Crowd Pleasing Classic
Fancy something dead easy that's always a hit? This Broccoli Salad Recipe is your answer! Seriously, it's the perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, or even a quick lunch.
My nan used to make something similar. Honestly, hers was a bit gloopy, but this is so much better!
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place
First, get everything ready. Chop the broccoli into small florets. Finely dice the red onion. Fry your bacon until it’s crispy not floppy! Crumble it up.
Measure out the sunflower seeds and cranberries. Got it? Good. Proper mise en place saves time, you know?
step-by-step to Broccoli Salad Bliss
Right, let's get this show on the road!
- Fry 6 slices of bacon over medium heat until crispy. Crumble after cooling.
- Wash and chop 700g broccoli into small florets.
- Mix the broccoli , 75g red onion , 150g bacon , 60g sunflower seeds , and 80g cranberries in a big bowl.
- Whisk together 240g mayonnaise , 30ml apple cider vinegar , 30ml sugar , 15ml Dijon mustard , 1g salt , and 1g pepper for the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavours mingle.
- Serve chilled and enjoy this creamy broccoli salad recipe !
Pro Tips for the Win
Want to take this Easy Broccoli Salad to the next level? Blanch the broccoli for 2 minutes in boiling water then shock it in ice water for a tender crisp texture.
Don't overdress it. Nobody wants a soggy salad, do they? You can make this ahead! Prepare everything, but dress it just before serving.
It will last for 2 days refrigerated!
This Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe is a guaranteed winner. Packed with flavor and simple to make, it's the ultimate picnic salad recipes and summer salad recipes .
Whether you call it Broccoli Salad , Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries or just a make-ahead Salad Recipes , get ready for a Healthy Salads explosion.
Enjoy!
Right, let's talk "Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe"! Honestly, this stuff is like sunshine in a bowl. Perfect for those summer vibes, yeah?
Recipe Notes: Making it Your Own
Fab Serving Suggestions
Think about your presentation! Plating matters, even for a Broccoli Salad . I like to pile it high in a nice bowl.
Garnish with extra bacon. Oh my gosh, yes! This Easy Broccoli Salad pairs so well with grilled anything. Burgers, chicken, even veggie skewers.
And a crisp glass of lemonade? Chef's kiss! It's one of those Summer Salad Recipes that just works .
Clever Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Broccoli Salad Recipe keeps well. Pop it in the fridge, airtight container, for up to three days.
Don't freeze it. Mayo gets weird, you know? Reheating is a no-go. Just give it a good stir and serve it cold.
For best results I like to add the dressing just before serving. If the salad sits with the dressing for too long the broccoli will become soggy.
It's one of those make-ahead Salad Recipes but you just gotta wait on the dressing.
Brilliant Variations
Want to mix it up? Course you do! For a lighter version, swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt. Boom! Healthy Salads just got even healthier.
And if you're catering for vegans, just use vegan mayo and some crispy smoked tofu instead of bacon. Easy peasy! Try seasonal swaps.
In the autumn, add some roasted butternut squash. This makes a Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe that will always impress.
Nifty Nutrition Basics
Alright, numbers time. Each serving of this Broccoli Salad is around 350-400 calories. Lots of healthy fats from the mayo and bacon.
Plus, broccoli is packed with vitamins and fibre. This isn't just tasty, it's good for you! This makes the perfect Perfect Side Dish .
So, there you have it! My Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe , all the tips and tricks. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Honestly, it's hard to mess this one up! Give it a go and let me know what you think. I promise, you'll be chuffed with the results.
If you like that this can be a Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries , feel free to change the recipe according to your tastes.
Happy cooking and have a great picnic with these Picnic Salad Recipes !
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe ahead of time? I'm proper busy, you know.
Absolutely! The salad can be made a day in advance, but for the best texture, add the dressing just before serving. Broccoli can get a bit soggy if it sits in the dressing for too long. If preparing ahead of time, store the salad and dressing separately and combine when you're ready to serve.
What's the best way to store leftover Easy Broccoli Salad? I don't want it to go off!
Store leftover Easy Broccoli Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It's best consumed within 2-3 days to maintain optimal texture and flavour. Keep in mind that the broccoli will continue to soften over time, but it will still be perfectly safe and tasty to eat!
I'm not a massive fan of bacon. Can I swap it for something else in this Easy Broccoli Salad?
No worries, mate! You can definitely substitute the bacon. Crispy pancetta is a great alternative, or if you're looking for a vegetarian option, try roasted chickpeas or smoked paprika seasoned tofu for that smoky, salty flavour. You could even add some toasted nuts for a bit of crunch.
Is there a lighter version of this Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe? All that mayo makes me a bit nervous.
Good shout! You can lighten up the dressing by substituting half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. This will significantly reduce the fat content and add a bit of protein too. You could also use a lighter mayonnaise option if you prefer.
Another tip is to make sure you don't overdress the salad - a little goes a long way!
My broccoli always tastes a bit bitter. Any tips for making this Easy Broccoli Salad taste better?
A little trick is to blanch the broccoli for just a minute or two in boiling water, then immediately plunge it into an ice bath. This helps to soften it slightly and mellows out any bitterness. Make sure to drain it really well before adding it to the salad.
The sweetness of the cranberries and the tang of the dressing also help to balance the flavour.
Can I add cheese to this salad? What kind would go best with an Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe?
You bet! Cheese is a fantastic addition. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice and works really well, especially a sharp cheddar. Alternatively, crumbled feta or a tangy goat cheese would also be delicious and add a different flavour profile. Just add about 1/2 cup to the salad before you chill it.
Don't add too much or it will overpower the other flavours.
Sunshine Broccoli Salad A Crowdpleasing Classic
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 4g |