Crunchy Broccoli Salad: A Vibrant Addition to Your Holiday Table
Overview
Crunchy Broccoli Salad is a delightful, festive dish, often enjoyed during Christmas gatherings. With its vibrant mix of green broccoli, red bell peppers, and white cauliflower, it brings a refreshing, colorful touch to the table. The contrasting textures and flavors—crisp vegetables, sweet raisins, and savory bacon—combine in a harmonious way, making this salad a crowd-pleaser. It’s a perfect side dish that can also stand out as a potluck favorite due to its ease of preparation and appealing presentation.
This salad is best served after chilling for a couple of hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The following details cover everything from the nutritional aspects to the step-by-step instructions to recreate this delightful dish.
Recipe Details
- Name: Crunchy Broccoli Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Recipe Category: Cauliflower
- Keywords: Vegetable, Potluck, < 30 Mins, Refrigerator
- Aggregated Rating: 5
- Review Count: 3
- Calories per Serving: 142.6 kcal
- Fat Content: 6.4 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0.6 g
- Cholesterol Content: 0 mg
- Sodium Content: 37.9 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 18.9 g
- Fiber Content: 4.2 g
- Sugar Content: 10.8 g
- Protein Content: 5.7 g
- Recipe Servings: Variable
- Recipe Yield: Variable
Ingredients
- 1 head of broccoli
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 1 green onion
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup white raisins
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons vinegar
Instructions
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Prepare and Chop All Salad Ingredients
- Wash and cut the broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
- Finely chop the green onion.
- Dice the red bell pepper.
- Combine the broccoli, cauliflower, green onion, red bell pepper, sunflower seeds, bacon, and white raisins in a large salad bowl.
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Make the Dressing
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar.
- Whisk the ingredients together until well-blended and smooth.
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Mix the Salad
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture.
- Toss the salad gently to ensure all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.
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Refrigerate
- Cover the salad and refrigerate it for 1-2 hours.
- This step allows the flavors to blend and enhances the overall taste.
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Serve
- Stir the salad again before serving.
- Enjoy this crunchy, colorful, and refreshing salad as a side dish or a potluck specialty.
Nutritional Breakdown
Per Serving (Values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredient quantities):
- Calories: 142.6 kcal
- Fat: 6.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 37.9 mg
- Carbohydrates: 18.9 g
- Fiber: 4.2 g
- Sugar: 10.8 g
- Protein: 5.7 g
Tips for Best Results
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Ingredient Freshness: Use fresh broccoli and cauliflower for the best crunch and flavor. Avoid using pre-cut vegetables, as they might not be as crisp.
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Dressing Consistency: If the dressing seems too thick, add a small amount of water or additional vinegar to achieve your desired consistency.
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Flavor Balance: Adjust the sweetness and acidity of the dressing according to your taste preference. If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of sugar.
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Make-Ahead: This salad can be made a day ahead, making it convenient for holiday preparations. In fact, it often tastes better after sitting for a while, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Serving Size: The recipe can be easily doubled or halved to accommodate different crowd sizes. Adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.
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Substitutions:
- Nuts: If sunflower seeds are not available, you can use chopped almonds or cashews for a different crunch.
- Vegetables: Add shredded carrots or sliced radishes for additional color and texture.
- Bacon: For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add more sunflower seeds or some cubed cheddar cheese.
Pairing Suggestions
This Crunchy Broccoli Salad pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Grilled Meats: The salad’s fresh and crisp nature complements grilled chicken, steaks, or pork chops beautifully.
- Roasted Dishes: Serve it alongside roasted turkey or ham for a festive meal.
- Seafood: It pairs nicely with baked or grilled fish, adding a refreshing contrast to the meal.
- Vegetarian Options: Combine with a hearty vegetable lasagna or stuffed bell peppers for a satisfying vegetarian spread.
Variations
- Asian-Inspired: Add some sesame oil, soy sauce, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an Asian twist.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce in the dressing for a spicy version.
- Fruit Addition: Include some chopped apples or grapes for a sweet and fruity variation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, to make this salad vegan, replace the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative. Ensure that the bacon is omitted or substituted with a plant-based bacon or additional seeds/nuts.
How long does the salad last in the refrigerator?
This salad can last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within the first two days for optimal crunch and flavor.
Can I freeze this salad?
Freezing is not recommended for this salad as the fresh vegetables can become watery and lose their crisp texture upon thawing.
What can I do if I don’t have white raisins?
You can substitute white raisins with regular raisins, dried cranberries, or currants.
Conclusion
Crunchy Broccoli Salad is a versatile and vibrant addition to any meal, particularly during festive gatherings. With its quick preparation time and minimal ingredients, it’s a convenient dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor or visual appeal. The balance of sweet and savory elements, along with its refreshing crunch, makes it a delightful complement to a variety of mains or a standout potluck dish.
Whether you’re looking to add more greens to your table or seeking a side dish that’s both delicious and easy to prepare, this Crunchy Broccoli Salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful salad with family and friends!
