Broccoli Salad Recipe with Steak and Shrimp That Satisfies

Name: broccoli salad recipe
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 8 cups broccoli florets; – ⅓ cup diced red onion; – ½ cup dried cranberries; – ½ cup sunflower seeds; – ½ cup bacon bits or crumbled cooked bacon; – 1 cup sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese; – 1 cup mayonnaise; – ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream; – 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar; – 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; – ¼ teaspoon salt and black pepper

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Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Salad Recipe

Ease of preparation: This broccoli salad recipe is incredibly simple and quick to make. With just a few fresh ingredients and a creamy dressing, you can toss it together in under 20 minutes. No complicated cooking methods are necessary, making it a hassle-free addition to any meal.
Health benefits: Loaded with fresh broccoli, red onion, and nutrient-dense sunflower seeds, this salad offers vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber essential for wellness. The use of Greek yogurt or sour cream as part of the dressing adds protein and probiotics, supporting digestion and a balanced diet while maintaining a creamy, satisfying texture.
Versatility: This broccoli salad recipe adapts easily to accommodate different dietary preferences. It’s simple to transform into a vegan dish by swapping mayonnaise with vegan alternatives or omit bacon for plant-based diets. Gluten-free eaters can enjoy it without worry since all ingredients can be gluten-free certified.
Distinctive flavor: The salad shines with a tantalizing blend of crunchy broccoli florets, tart dried cranberries, salty bacon bits, and a tangy, sweet dressing that harmonizes the sweet, savory, and crisp components for an unforgettable taste experience.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Salad Recipe
2. Essential Ingredients for Broccoli Salad Recipe
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Broccoli Salad Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Broccoli Salad Recipe
5. Mastering Broccoli Salad Recipe: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Broccoli Salad Recipe: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Salad Recipe
8. broccoli salad recipe

Essential Ingredients for Broccoli Salad Recipe

8 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces – The star ingredient providing crisp texture and rich in vitamins.
⅓ cup diced red onion (about 50g) – Adds sharpness, color contrast, and bite.
½ cup dried cranberries (about 85g) – Delivers natural sweetness and chewy texture.
½ cup sunflower seeds (about 60g) – Offers nutty flavor and extra crunch; can be swapped with chopped almonds or pecans.
½ cup bacon bits or crumbled cooked bacon (about 60g) – Brings smoky, savory richness.
Optional: 1 cup sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed (about 115g) – Adds creaminess and depth of flavor.
Dressing:

¾ to 1 cup mayonnaise (175g to 240g), preferably olive oil mayo – Provides creamy binding and richness.
¼ to ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (70g to 120g) – Introduces tang and protein, with a lighter option.
1½ to 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar – Adds acidity and balances flavors.
2 to 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (25g to 40g) or preferred sugar substitute – Sweetens dressing harmoniously.
Salt and black pepper to taste (about ¼ teaspoon each) – Essential seasoning components.

Special Dietary Options:

Vegan: Replace mayonnaise with vegan mayo and omit bacon or use tempeh bacon as a plant-based alternative.
Gluten-free: Select certified gluten-free mayonnaise and vinegar to ensure a safe dish for gluten sensitivities.
Low-calorie: Use low-fat mayo or Greek yogurt for dressing and reduce or omit bacon; substitute nuts for lower-calorie options to keep the salad light.

How to Prepare the Perfect Broccoli Salad Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Prepare the Broccoli

Wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut into bite-sized florets. To ensure a crisp texture, use a salad spinner to dry the broccoli well, avoiding excess moisture that could dilute the dressing.

Second Step: Chop Additional Ingredients

Dice the red onion finely. Toast the sunflower seeds lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes to release their nutty aroma. Drain bacon and crumble into bite-sized pieces if not pre-cooked.

Third Step: Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, apple cider or white wine vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined, adjusting seasonings to taste.

Fourth Step: Combine Salad Components

In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli florets, diced red onion, dried cranberries, toasted sunflower seeds, bacon bits, and if using, shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the prepared dressing over the top.

Fifth Step: Toss and Chill

Gently toss the salad to evenly coat all ingredients with dressing. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and broccoli to absorb the creamy dressing. Longer chilling (several hours or overnight) enhances taste and texture.

Final Step: Serve

Before serving, toss again to redistribute dressing. Garnish with extra sunflower seeds or cranberries if desired. Serve chilled for a refreshing and satisfying salad experience that pairs well with many meals.

**Broccoli Salad Preparation Timeline**
Step	Description	Time
1	Wash and dry broccoli florets	5-7 minutes
2	Toast sunflower seeds and chop onion	3-5 minutes
3	Whisk dressing ingredients	3 minutes
4	Combine salad ingredients and toss with dressing	5 minutes
5	Chill salad for flavors to meld	At least 1 hour

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Broccoli Salad Recipe

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Replace bacon bits with tempeh bacon or smoked tofu for a vegan protein boost.
Add cooked chicken breast strips for a lean meat protein option.
Use chickpeas or white beans as vegetarian plant-based protein sources.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Swap diced red onion with milder green onions or shallots for a different flavor profile.
Use lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar for a brighter dressing.
Include chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to vary texture and add richness.
Add fresh herbs such as dill or parsley to introduce aromatic notes.

These substitutions keep the broccoli salad recipe adaptable while maintaining its signature fresh, tangy, and crunchy qualities.

Mastering Broccoli Salad Recipe: Advanced Tips and Variations

Pro cooking techniques: Lightly blanch broccoli florets for 60 seconds, shock in ice water, and drain thoroughly to soften slightly while preserving crispness and vibrant color.
Flavor variations: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or substitute honey with maple syrup in the dressing for a different sweet profile.
Presentation tips: Serve the salad in clear glass bowls or mason jars to showcase its colorful layers. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch.
Make-ahead options: Prepare the salad base ahead and store the dressing separately until just before serving. This prevents sogginess and keeps the salad fresh longer.

How to Store Broccoli Salad Recipe: Best Practices

Refrigeration

Store broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to retain freshness and flavor. Refrigerate promptly after preparation and use.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of broccoli and other fresh ingredients degrade upon thawing. If necessary, freeze the undressed broccoli separately and add fresh ingredients and dressing after thawing.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. Avoid reheating to preserve crisp texture and vibrant flavors.

Meal Prep Considerations

For efficient meal prep, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. Portion the salad into individual containers to maintain freshness and ease serving.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Broccoli Salad Recipe

Do I need to cook or blanch broccoli before making broccoli salad?

No, cooking or blanching broccoli is not required for broccoli salad. Most recipes use raw broccoli florets, which provide a crisp texture and fresh flavor. If you prefer a slightly softer salad, you can blanch the broccoli by boiling it for 60 seconds, then rinsing with cold water and drying thoroughly before mixing. However, raw broccoli works well and keeps the salad crunchy.

What ingredients go into a classic broccoli salad?

A typical broccoli salad includes fresh broccoli florets, crisp bacon bits, chopped red or green onions, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds or nuts like almonds or pecans. The dressing is usually a creamy mix of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Variations may include shredded cheddar cheese or extra vegetables like cauliflower or celery for added texture and flavor.

Can I prepare broccoli salad ahead of time, and how should I store it?

Yes, broccoli salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. To keep the salad fresh and prevent sogginess, store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad shortly before serving. Once mixed, leftovers should be refrigerated and consumed within 4 to 5 days for best taste and safety.

How can I make broccoli salad healthier without sacrificing flavor?

For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt to reduce fat and add protein. You can also omit bacon or use pre-cooked lean bacon pieces. Using unsalted nuts or seeds and reducing added sugar in the dressing helps keep the salad nutritious without losing its creamy, tangy appeal.

Can store-bought dressings be used instead of homemade dressing in broccoli salad?

Yes, store-bought dressings like creamy poppy seed or coleslaw dressing can replace homemade dressing if you prefer convenience. Choose dressings with a balanced flavor that includes acidity and sweetness to complement the broccoli. Adjust quantities to taste, and consider adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to brighten the flavor if needed.

Broccoli Salad Recipe with Steak and Shrimp for a Flavor-Packed Meal