Broccoli Salad
A delightful mix of fresh broccoli, crisp apples, and a creamy dressing, this Broccoli Salad is a cozy favorite perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets, trimmed and roughly chopped Use the whole stalk if you love crunch.
- 1 cup red apple, diced Granny Smith for tartness, Gala for sweet; adds bright juiciness.
- 1/2 cup red onion, very thinly sliced Soak in cold water if you want milder bite.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins For sweet chew.
- 1/2 cup toasted almonds or sunflower seeds Almonds are classic; seeds for a nut-free swap.
- 6 strips bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled Optional for a smoky layer; omit for vegetarian.
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise Base for the dressing; swap half with plain Greek yogurt for tang and fewer calories.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar Brightens the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup Balances the vinegar.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Adds depth and slight heat.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash and thoroughly dry the florets. Chop into bite-sized pieces so every forkful has a little crunch and a little green.
Toasting Nuts
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast almonds or sunflower seeds for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
Cooking Bacon
- Fry bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels, and crumble.
Making the Dressing
- In a medium bowl whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Combining the Salad
- In a large bowl, toss broccoli, apple, red onion, dried cranberries, and toasted nuts. Add crumbled bacon.
Dressing and Chilling
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is lightly coated. Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
Notes
For a lighter dressing, use 1/4 cup mayonnaise and 1/4 cup Greek yogurt. Make it nut-free by using roasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Add fresh herbs like dill or chives for a garden-fresh lift.