Okay, picture this: What is the On a sunny summer afternoon, the smell of grilling burgers in the air, and an empty table overflowing with food. What are some of the best picnic food What is the one thing I always looked forward to? My grandma’s broccoli salad. Is it crunchy, creamy, a little bit sweet, and seriously addictive? Think coleslaw, but kicked up about ten notches with the goodness of broccoli and a few secret ingredients. Ingredients that make it irresistible. I think I’ve made this recipe more than anything else in my kitchen. It’s that good, and surprisingly simple, too. What is my Grandma’s secret to the best broccoli salad?
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What is broccoli salad?
What is broccoli salad? What’s a party in bowl? Fresh, raw broccoli florets and tangy, creamy dressing. Think of it as a dressed-up version of an easy veggie side dish. What is the crunch of broccoli, the crispy bacon? What is the best part? Is it incredibly versatile? You can customize it with your favorite add-ins and adjust the dressing to your liking. I’m a backyard BBQ hero, and sometimes I just make one batch for myself. It’s the best potluck staple. Why is it that good? It’s a welcome departure from heavier sides, offering grilled, vibrant counterpoint to the heavier side. What are some good meats or sandwiches? What is the perfect companion for a hot summer day?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What is your favorite broccoli salad recipe? I’m not just saying that because it’s my grandma’s recipe (although that definitely is). What is nostalgia? What is flavor? The combination of the slightly bitter broccoli, the salty bacon, and the sweet raisins. The tangy lemon. What is the best dressing for a salad? I swear, it’s a taste bud party in your mouth! Is it really that easy to make? What is the best way to chop broccoli? What is a lifesaver for busy weeknights? Let’s not forget the cost factor. Broccoli is super affordable, and most of the other ingredients are pantry staples. Is it possible to feed a crowd without breaking the bank? What I love about this **broccoli salad** is its versatility. Can you serve it as a side dish, grilled chicken or fish? What are the possibilities for a picky eater? I’ve seen kids who swear they hate broccoli devour this salad. It’s like magic, I tell you! Is it really better than other salads?
How do I make Broccoli Salad?
Quick Overview
How do I make broccoli salad? You just chop the broccoli, cook the bacon, whisk together the dressing, and toss everything. How do you chop broccoli into bite-sized pieces? What is the best way to eat bacon? I promise, even if you’re not a seasoned cook, you can nail this recipe. What is a foolproof salad? I often prepare this the night before a potluck, to allow the flavors to meld together. Is it good to eat the next day?
Ingredients
What is Broccoli Salad?
* 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets (about 6 cups) – Fresh broccoli is key! Look for firm, green florets with no yellowing. * 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped – Red onion adds a nice bite, but you can substitute with sweet. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute onion for garlic. * 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled – Use your favorite kind of bacon! I like thick-cut bacon for extra flavor and crunch. Cook until crispy, but not burnt. * 1 cup raisins – Adds a touch of sweetness and chewiness. Can you substitute dried cranberries or golden raisins if you prefer? * 1/2 cup sunflower seeds – Adds a nutty flavor and extra crunch. If you’re not a fan of sunflower seeds, you can substitute with chopped walnuts or pecans.
For the Dressing:
* 1 cup mayonnaise – Use a good quality mayo for the best flavor. I prefer full-fat mayonnaise for extra creaminess. * 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar – Adds a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the raisins. * 2 tablespoons sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to the dressing. You can adjust the amount to your liking. * 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor to the dressing. * Salt and pepper to taste – Season to your liking!
How do I get
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Wash broccoli thoroughly and cut it into small, bite-sized florets. This is important! Large florets are difficult to eat and don’t absorb the dressing as well. I always make sure to remove the tough stems and just use the tender florets. Can you blanch broccoli for 1-2 minutes if you prefer a slightly softer texture? I like the crunch of raw broccoli in this salad.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
What are some ways to cook bacon in the microwave? Once it’s cooked, drain off the excess grease and crumble it into small pieces. I usually cook a whole pound of bacon and save the extra for other recipes (or just snack on it!).
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Set aside. How do you make a smooth paste with salt and Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a pinch of onion powder or garlic powder for extra flavor. What are some ways to use Greek yogurt for dressing?
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, red onion, bacon, raisins, and sunflower seeds. Mix well. What is the best dressing to serve with salad? If you overmix broccoli, the broccoli will get crushed.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Cover salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the broccoli to soften slightly. I think the **broccoli salad** tastes even better after it has been in the fridge for a couple of days. Is it possible to sleep for hours at a When I’m in a hurry I will often put it in the freezer for 10 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. If mayonnaise is too strong, you can add more if you like! What are some good side dishes to serve with broccoli salad? What are some great meal prep ideas for the week?
What should I serve it with?
What is a broccoli salad?For a BBQ:What is the perfect side dish for grilled burgers, hot dogs, chicken, or ribs? The creamy dressing and crunchy texture provide a nice contrast to the smoky flavors of the grill.For a Picnic:Pack it in a container and take it to your next picnic. It’s easy to transport and doesn’t require any heating. What’s a good meal to serve with chips, sandwiches, and fruit?For a light lunch:Serve it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich, soup, or veggie burger for an easy and satisfying meal.For a dinner side:Is it a good side dish to serve with baked chicken, pork chops, or fish? What are some good ways to add veggies to a meal?
How do I make a Broccoli Salad?
What are some of the basics of a computer? What are some insider secrets to take your broccoli salad to the next level? What are the things I’ve learned over the years, the little tweaks that make a big difference.Broccoli Prep:What is the biggest mistake people make when using broccoli florets? They’re just too hard to eat and don’t absorb the dressing properly. Cut into bite-sized pieces. What is the best way to make a salad? If you want to reduce the bitterness of broccoli, you can blanch it for a minute or two. Is it safe to put two ice baths in boiling water? What is the best way to soften broccoli? I don’t mind bitterness, I think it adds a complex element to salad!Bacon Bliss:What’s your favorite way to serve bacon? I like to use thick-cut bacon for extra flavor and texture. Cook it until it’s nice and crispy, but not burnt. Don’t throw away the bacon grease! Save it for cooking other things – it adds a ton of flavor. I like to bake my bacon in the oven, it is easy and there is less mess.Dressing DilemWhat is the best dressing for broccoli salad? What is the best mayonnaise flavor? I like full-fat mayonnaise for extra creaminess. Is it a good choice Don’t be afraid to adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a tangier salad, reduce the amount of sugar. If you like it sweeter, add a little more.Secret Ingredients: WhatWhat is the secret ingredient of dressing? Garlic powder. What is the difference between a sweet and savory note?
What are the Storing and Reheating Tips?
This **broccoli salad** is best served chilled, and it will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I find that broccoli gets softer over time, so it’s best to eat it as soon as possible.Room Temperature:Is it safe to leave mayonnaise out at room temperature for more than 2 hours?Refrigerator Storage: WhatWhat is the best way to store salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator? How do you keep broccoli fresh?What is the best way I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the mayonnaise will separate and the broccoli will become mushy.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since it cannot be frozen, glaze it right before you refrigerate it so it tastes fresh for a couple of days!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it – my grandma’s famous **broccoli salad** recipe! It’s a dish that’s near and dear to my heart, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your family, too. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just looking for a simple side dish to brighten up your dinner table, this salad is sure to please. If you love this salad, you might also enjoy my classic potato salad or my creamy cucumber salad. Both are perfect for summer gatherings! Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!
Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups Broccoli florets Fresh, washed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 0.5 cup Red onion Finely chopped
- 0.5 cup Sunflower seeds Roasted, unsalted
- 0.5 cup Dried cranberries Sweetened
- 0.5 cup Bacon Cooked and crumbled
Dressing
- 0.5 cup Mayonnaise Regular or light
- 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Sugar
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 0.125 teaspoon Black pepper Freshly ground
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, red onion, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and bacon.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss gently to coat. Ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
