How to Make Broccoli Salad?
Mix the mayonnaise, sugar, cider vinegar, and fresh ground black pepper in a small bowl. Set the bowl aside for a bit.
Next, cut your vegetables relatively fine so the dressing is distributed well around all the ingredients. Then, cook the bacon crispy. Chop it relatively fine as well. I like to cook my bacon on a baking sheet at 375 degrees for about 15-17 minutes, flipping the bacon halfway through the cooking process. You can also use this candied bacon recipe to add a hint of sweetness to this broccoli salad.
In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, onions, bacon, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds. Drizzle the dressing over the top and stir to coat. Cover and chill for about 1 hour before serving. Toss again right before serving.
Preparations Tips
- For optimal taste, cover and refrigerate for a few hours before serving.
- This salad uses raw broccoli for its ease, health benefits, and crunch. Although unnecessary, if more tender broccoli is desired, blanch it by bringing a large pot of water to boil. Add the broccoli and cook for 1-2 minutes. Drain in a colander in the sink, rinsing with cold water to stop the cooking process. Dry well with paper towels.
- The broccoli stem is edible, but I prefer sticking with the florets for this recipe. Cut the florets into bite-size pieces.
Recipe Variations
- Substitute sunflower seeds, pine nuts, or chopped pecans for the sliced almonds.
- Add 2/3 cup shredded or small cubed sharp cheddar cheese
- If you like things really sweet, add another tablespoon of sugar to the dressing.
- Substitute raisins for the sweetened dried cranberries.
- Skip the mayonnaise dressing and make a Honey Mustard Vinaigrette.
- Add 1 cup of seedless grapes sliced in half, or use them instead of the dried cranberries.
- Add 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor, or go bold and add 1/3 cup bleu cheese crumbles.
- Reduce the amount of broccoli by half and substitute finely chopped cauliflower.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to stir the salad well before enjoying the leftovers.
Best Broccoli Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1 1/3 lbs broccoli florets finely chopped into bite-size pieces
- 8 slices crispy cooked bacon chopped
- 1/3 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
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Whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, cider vinegar, and pepper in a small bowl.
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In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, bacon, onions, cranberries, and almonds. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss to coat. Cover and chill for 1-2 hours before serving. Toss again right before serving.
Notes
-
- For optimal taste, cover and refrigerate for a few hours before serving.
- This salad uses raw broccoli for its ease, health benefits, and crunch. Although unnecessary, if more tender broccoli is desired, blanch it by bringing a large pot of water to boil. Add the broccoli and cook for 1-2 minutes. Drain in a colander in the sink, rinsing with cold water to stop the cooking process. Dry well with paper towels.
- The broccoli stem is edible, but I prefer sticking with the florets for this recipe. Cut the florets into bite-size pieces.
