Broccoli Crunch Salad

vibrant and texturally rich salad, Broccoli Crunch Salad combines crisp raw broccoli, savory bacon, sharp cheese and a tangy dressing. It is simple to assemble, ideal for make-ahead preparation, and brings a delightful contrast of flavours and textures to any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crisp and Refreshing: Raw broccoli provides a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with creamy dressing.

• Make-Ahead Convenience: Assemble in advance and allow the flavours to meld for an even more delicious result.

• Customizable: Easily adapt with different nuts, dried fruits or protein additions to suit dietary preferences.

• Versatile Serving: Serves equally well as a side for barbecues, potlucks, or light main-course lunches.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh broccoli florets

• Cooked and crumbled bacon

• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• Finely chopped red onion

• Dried cranberries or raisins

• Raw sunflower seeds

• Mayonnaise

• Apple cider vinegar

• Granulated sugar

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

directions

1. Rinse and thoroughly dry the broccoli florets; cut into bite-sized pieces.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper until smooth.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, cheddar cheese, bacon, red onion, dried cranberries and sunflower seeds.

4. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until evenly coated.

5. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavours to develop before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields six servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• For a lighter dressing, replace half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.

• Substitute dried cherries or chopped dried apricots for the cranberries to vary the sweetness.

• Add diced apple or pear for additional juiciness and a hint of natural sweetness.

• Swap sunflower seeds for chopped almonds, pecans or pumpkin seeds to alter the nutty profile.

• To create a vegan version, use vegan mayonnaise and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

storage/reheating

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing. This salad is best enjoyed cold; reheating is not recommended as it will diminish the crisp texture.

FAQs

Can this salad be prepared in advance?

Yes. You may assemble the salad up to 24 hours ahead of serving and keep it refrigerated. Chilling enhances the flavour melding without compromising texture.

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise?

Absolutely. Replacing all or part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt yields a lighter dressing with a pleasant tang.

How long will the salad remain fresh?

When stored correctly in an airtight container, the salad will maintain its freshness and crunch for up to three days.

Is it possible to freeze this salad?

Freezing is not advised. The high water content in broccoli causes ice crystals to form, resulting in a soggy texture upon thawing.

What other nuts or seeds can be used?

Feel free to use pumpkin seeds, chopped pecans or sliced almonds in place of sunflower seeds for a different crunch and flavour.

Can I make a vegan version of this recipe?

Yes. Use plant-based mayonnaise and vegan cheese, and ensure that any additional mix-ins are free of animal products.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?

You may modify the sugar quantity or substitute dried cranberries with unsweetened raisins to tailor the sweetness to your preference.

Should I blanch the broccoli before using?

Blanching is optional. Raw broccoli offers maximum crunch, while a one-minute blanch will produce a slightly tender texture.

How do I prevent the salad from becoming soggy?

Ensure that the broccoli is well dried after washing and avoid overmixing. If preparing ahead, consider storing the dressing separately and combining just before serving.

What is the best way to serve this salad?

Serve chilled as a side dish alongside grilled meats, roasted poultry or as part of a buffet spread. It also pairs nicely with fresh bread or crackers.

Conclusion

Broccoli Crunch Salad is a delightful balance of crisp vegetables, savory accents and a creamy, tangy dressing. Its quick assembly, make-ahead flexibility and numerous variations make it an indispensable addition to any recipe repertoire. Whether for casual gatherings or everyday meals, this salad promises both convenience and exceptional flavour

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