The Best Broccoli Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This broccoli salad is a fantastic blend of sweet, tangy, and crunchy elements that make it both healthy and addictive! The combination of fresh broccoli, sweet raisins, and sunflower seeds adds texture and flavor, while the creamy dressing ties it all together. Plus, it’s simple to make, requires only a handful of ingredients, and is customizable based on your taste preferences. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, as a side dish for dinner, or simply enjoying it on its own, this broccoli salad will definitely become a staple!

Ingredients

4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1/2 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
1/2 cup dried raisins
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (soaked in cold water)
1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Broccoli: Start by cutting the broccoli into small florets. If you prefer, you can also lightly steam or blanch the broccoli for 1-2 minutes to make it a bit more tender, but this is optional.
2. Soak the Onion: Place the chopped red onion in a bowl of cold water and let it soak for about 10 minutes. This will help reduce the sharpness of the onion, making it milder for the salad.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until the dressing is smooth and combined.
4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, soaked red onion, sunflower seeds, and raisins.
5. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.
6. Chill and Serve: Let the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also serve it immediately if you’re short on time.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Chilling time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Nuts: If you prefer, you can substitute the sunflower seeds with chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for extra crunch.
• Fruit: Add fresh fruit like apple slices, grapes, or pineapple to enhance the sweetness and provide even more texture.
• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, simply use a vegan mayonnaise or a non-dairy yogurt alternative.
• Cheese: Crumbled feta or shredded cheddar cheese would also be a delicious addition if you enjoy a more savory twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This salad is best when served fresh, but it will hold up well for a few days.
• Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can take it out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off, but there’s no need to heat it.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. In fact, letting it chill in the fridge for a bit allows the flavors to meld together.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

You can use white vinegar, rice vinegar, or even balsamic vinegar if you prefer. Apple cider vinegar adds a nice tang, but any vinegar will work.

Is this broccoli salad healthy?

Yes! Broccoli is full of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. The addition of sunflower seeds and raisins adds extra nutritional value, while the dressing made with Greek yogurt (if used) keeps it on the healthier side. It’s a well-balanced, nutrient-packed dish!

Can I make this salad without mayonnaise?

Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative for a lighter or dairy-free version of the dressing.

How do I make the salad less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup to your taste, or omit it entirely for a tangier flavor profile.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Fresh broccoli is ideal for this recipe, but you can use frozen broccoli if fresh is unavailable. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using it in the salad.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Yes! If you want to make this salad a complete meal, consider adding grilled chicken, or chickpeas for a protein boost.

Can I make this salad spicy?

For a spicy twist, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños to the dressing or toss them into the salad.

How do I keep the broccoli from turning brown?

To help preserve the vibrant green color of the broccoli, you can blanch it for 1-2 minutes before using it in the salad. However, this step is optional and not necessary if you’re using fresh broccoli.

Can I substitute the raisins with another dried fruit?

Yes, you can use dried cranberries, apricots, or chopped dried figs if you prefer a different flavor.

Conclusion

The Best Broccoli Salad is a fantastic, simple dish that brings together the goodness of fresh vegetables, sweet raisins, and a creamy dressing. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a quick side dish for dinner, a potluck contribution, or just a light and refreshing snack. With endless possibilities for customization, this salad can be tailored to suit your preferences. Try it out today and enjoy this colorful, healthy, and delicious recipe!

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