This crunchy broccoli salad is a colorful mix of fresh broccoli, sweet raisins, and crunchy nuts. It’s tasty and perfect for any gathering or lunchbox!
I love throwing this salad together because it’s so easy. Plus, it’s a great way to eat your greens while enjoying a little sweetness. Who knew healthy could be this fun? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are the star here. You can use frozen broccoli if that’s what you have, just thaw and drain it well. Fresh gives a nice crunch, though!
Bacon: Cooked bacon adds a savory touch. If you’re vegetarian or looking for a lighter option, use cooked tempeh or even crispy chickpeas for texture.
Dried Cranberries/Raisins: Both add sweetness. Swap in chopped apples or sliced grapes if you prefer fresh fruit or want something different.
Sunflower Seeds: They offer crunch and healthy fats. Feel free to swap them for pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts if you have those on hand!
Cheese: Feta gives a tangy flavor, but shredded cheddar works great too. If cheese isn’t your thing, try adding more seeds or some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Get My Broccoli Salad Extra Crunchy?
To keep your broccoli salad crunchy, here are a few tips:
- Use fresh, firm broccoli—not overcooked or limp stalks. Cut them into bite-sized pieces to ensure even crunchiness.
- Rinse the broccoli with cold water to stop the cooking process after washing. This helps it stay crisp!
- Mix your ingredients just before serving. This helps maintain the crunchy textures, especially with nuts and seeds.
Letting the salad sit in the fridge for an hour helps flavors mix but don’t let it sit too long, or the broccoli may soften. Enjoy the perfect crunch!
Easy Crunchy Broccoli Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup cooked and chopped bacon
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or shredded cheddar (optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour in the fridge to chill and let the flavors blend. Overall, you’ll be enjoying your crunchy salad in just over an hour. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broccoli:
Start by washing your fresh broccoli under cold water. Cut it into bite-sized florets and place them in a large mixing bowl. Ensure the pieces are even to make it easy to chew and mix.
2. Add the Extras:
Next, add the cooked and chopped bacon, diced red onion, dried cranberries (or raisins), sunflower seeds, and crumbled cheese into the bowl with your broccoli. These ingredients will give your salad a mix of flavors and textures—sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until everything is smooth and creamy. This dressing will add a delightful tang and sweetness to the salad.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the broccoli and other ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mush the broccoli!
5. Chill the Salad:
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This chilling time allows the flavors to mix beautifully and keeps the salad nice and cool.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, give the salad a quick stir, serve it in bowls, and enjoy! This salad makes a crunchy and colorful side dish that everyone will love. Enjoy your healthy, delicious creation!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli for This Salad?
It’s best to use fresh broccoli for that perfect crunch, but if you only have frozen, make sure to thaw it completely and drain excess water before using. Lightly blanching it in boiling water for a minute and then ice-bathing can also help maintain some crispness.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Salad?
Leftover broccoli salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the longer it sits, the softer the broccoli will become. It’s best enjoyed fresh for that crunchy texture!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a day in advance but hold off on adding the dressing until just before serving. This will help keep the broccoli crunchy and prevent sogginess!
Are There Any Alternatives to Mayonnaise?
Yes! If you want a lighter option or need a mayo substitute, Greek yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt can work well. You can also use a vinaigrette for a lighter dressing option, adding olive oil and lemon juice for flavor.
