Broccoli salad is an absolute delight, easy to prepare and versatile enough for any occasion, be it cookouts, potlucks, picnics, or simple meals at home. The harmonious fusion of flavors, perfectly balancing the sweet and salty elements, makes this salad disappear in no time. Even more astonishing is the fact that my family willingly and happily devours fresh vegetables when served alongside this delectable salad.
For me, broccoli salad is synonymous with the joys of summer – picnics in the park and dinners by the pool with the grill sizzling in the background. It’s a cherished memory, where a plate filled with broccoli salad, macaroni salad, fresh fruit salad, baguettes, and an assortment of cheeses was a symphony of delightful tastes.
The appeal of broccoli salad lies not only in its fabulous taste but also in its popularity among everyone. Its flavor profile matures over time, and I find myself doubling the recipe, keeping the extra for a delicious lunch pairing with grilled chicken. The demand for this salad is so high that the extra portion disappears as quickly as it is made.
So, let this delightful broccoli salad be a star at your gatherings and family meals alike. Its simplicity and the joy it brings to the table make it a perennial favorite for all occasions. As you relish the medley of flavors and memories it evokes, I encourage you to savor the moment and enjoy every bite. Bon appétit!
Ingredients
Salad
5-6 cups broccoli florets
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese – the thicker shred, not finely shredded
⅔ cup dried cranberries
½ cup crumbled crispy bacon
½ cup salted sunflower seeds
⅓ cup red onion diced into small pieces
Dressing
¾ cup mayo – I like to use olive oil mayo.
¼ cup sour cream
1 ½ Tbsp. white wine vinegar
3 Tbsp. sugar
¼ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
Directions
Combine broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, bacon, sunflower seeds, and onion in a large bowl.
In a separate, small bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-combined.
Pour dressing over broccoli combination and toss or stir well. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
You can serve Broccoli Salad immediately, but for the best flavor refrigerate for at least one hour before serving.
Make sure to toss broccoli salad thoroughly again before serving.
Refrigerate the salad if not serving immediately.
Notes
• I always use the fresh broccoli and I do not blanch it first. If you prefer it blanched, place broccoli in salted boiling water for 60 seconds. Drain and rinse with cold water until broccoli has cooled, and then dry it well before using.
• I prefer cooking the bacon myself, but you can use pre-cooked or crumbled bacon; make sure you buy the kind made with real bacon – it should say it on the label – and not “bacon flavored bits” with imitation flavor.
• You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream.
• The olive oil mayo is nice because it has the creaminess of regular mayo, but it is lighter. However, please use whichever mayo is your favorite!
• If you don’t have white wine vinegar, it’s okay. Champagne vinegar, red wine vinegar, and apple cider vinegar all work just as well.
• Storing Broccoli Salad: Store Broccoli Salad in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. If you are making the salad several days in advance, I recommend storing the salad and the dressing separately, then tossing everything together at least an hour before serving.
Conclusion:
The Easy Broccoli Salad is a true culinary gem that deserves a spot at every gathering and family meal. Its simplicity and ease of preparation make it an ideal choice for cookouts, potlucks, picnics, or a delightful meal at home. The way the flavors seamlessly come together, striking the perfect balance between sweet and salty, is what makes this salad disappear quickly from the table.
For me, this salad brings back fond memories of summer picnics and dinners by the pool, where it was always the first thing on my plate. Its versatility and popularity among my family are undeniable, and we find ourselves willingly and happily enjoying fresh vegetables when served alongside this delectable dish.
As a testament to its deliciousness, the salad only gets better with time, making it an excellent choice for doubling the recipe and enjoying the leftovers for lunch paired with grilled chicken. The rave reviews from everyone in my family make it clear that the extra portion disappears rapidly.
So, let the Easy Broccoli Salad become a star at your gatherings, evoking the joys of summer and adding a burst of flavor to your meals. Its fabulous taste, ease of preparation, and popularity among all age groups make it a must-have in your culinary repertoire. Whether it’s a casual picnic or an intimate family dinner, this salad is sure to impress and leave everyone wanting more. Enjoy the simplicity and joy of this delightful recipe, and watch as it becomes a beloved favorite in your household. Bon appétit!