This Easy Creamy Broccoli Salad is a fresh and crunchy dish, packed with vibrant broccoli, sweet raisins, and a creamy dressing. It’s a side that makes veggies fun!
I love how quick and easy it is to whip up and still impress everyone at the table. Plus, who doesn’t love a salad that has a little bit of sweetness? Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: The star of the salad! Fresh broccoli florets add crunch and vibrant color. If fresh broccoli isn’t available, you can use frozen, just ensure it’s thawed and drained well.
Bacon: Crumbled bacon provides a salty, savory flavor. Turkey bacon or pancetta can be good substitutes for a different twist or to cut down on fat.
Dried Cranberries: They add a touch of sweetness to balance the dish. If you prefer, raisins or chopped dried apricots work nicely as alternatives.
Sunflower Seeds: These give a nice crunch. Pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sliced almonds can also be used for a different texture and flavor.
Feta Cheese: A fantastic complement to the other ingredients, but it’s optional. You could skip it altogether or use goat cheese for a tangier taste.
How Do You Make the Creamy Dressing Without It Being Too Thick?
The dressing should be creamy yet not overly thick, so it coats the veggies nicely. Here’s how to achieve just the right consistency:
- Start with 1 cup of mayonnaise as a base; feel free to use Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Add in the apple cider vinegar and honey. The vinegar cuts through the richness and honey adds a hint of sweetness.
- Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. If the dressing feels too thick, add a splash of water or extra vinegar until it reaches your desired consistency.
Chill the dressing for a bit to allow flavors to blend well, then toss with your salad. This dressing is also good for other salads, so you might want to make extra!
Easy Creamy Broccoli Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy broccoli salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the refrigerator. In total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes before it’s ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
Grab a large mixing bowl, and add the fresh broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, finely chopped red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and feta cheese if you want that extra creamy tang. Mix everything together gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well blended. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—all good cooks do!
3. Combine and Toss:
Pour the creamy dressing over the broccoli mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to toss everything together until all the ingredients are nicely coated in that delicious dressing. Make sure every bite will have a bit of that yummy creaminess!
4. Chill for the Best Flavor:
Cover your salad with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This really helps bring out the flavors and makes the salad extra refreshing.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, give your salad one last gentle toss before serving. Scoop it out into bowls or onto a platter. It’s perfect as a side dish for any meal! Enjoy the crunchy, creamy goodness!
FAQs About Easy Creamy Broccoli Salad
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the frozen broccoli and drain any excess water before using it in the salad. For best results, blanch the broccoli in hot water for a minute or two, then cool it in ice water to maintain the crunch.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but the broccoli may become a bit softer over time. Just give it a good stir before serving!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan-friendly, simply omit the bacon and feta cheese. You can substitute the mayonnaise with a plant-based mayo or a creamy dressing made from cashews or silken tofu for a delicious, creamy texture.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can replace it with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist or use a combination of sour cream and Dijon mustard for added flavor. Look for vegan mayo if you want a dairy-free option!
