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The Best Broccoli Salad

This Broccoli Salad has become a potluck favorite, and it’s easy to see why!

With the perfect balance of fresh, crunchy broccoli, sweet cranberries, savory smoked almonds, and a creamy, tangy dressing, it’s the ultimate side dish for any gathering.

What makes it stand out?

• Quick and easy – Prep takes just 20 minutes, and there’s no cooking required!
• Make ahead – Prep it up to 24 hours in advance, making it perfect for busy days.
• Perfectly balanced – A mix of textures and flavors with every bite—crisp broccoli, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing.

This Broccoli Salad is your new go-to side dish for any event. Whether you’re hosting a party or need something quick for a family dinner, this will always be a hit!

For Broccoli Salad

• Broccoli Florets – Fresh, bite-sized pieces of broccoli for a crunchy texture.
• Red Onion – Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• Dried Cranberries – A sweet addition that balances out the savory flavors.
• Sunflower Seeds – A nice crunch and an extra layer of flavor.
• Smoked Almonds – Provides a cruchy , smoky element that everyone loves.

For Dressing

• Mayonnaise – The creamy base for the dressing.
• Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds a tangy kick to the creamy dressing.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dressing to complement the savory ingredients.
• Salt and Black Pepper – To taste, enhancing all the flavors.

Ultimate Broccoli Salad Recipe

Craving a salad that’s fresh, crunchy, and packed with flavor? This Ultimate Broccoli Salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion!

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Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Ultimate Broccoli Salad Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Chill Time :: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 servings

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Ingredients:

• 8 cups of broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ⅓ cup diced red onion
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds
• ½ cup smoked almonds, chopped

Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

 

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dressing:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until well combined. Set aside.
2. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, red onion, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and smoked almonds.
3. Toss and Refrigerate:
   • Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss to coat everything evenly.
   • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.

 

Notes:

• You can prepare this salad ahead of time; refrigerate it for anywhere from 1 hour to 24 hours before serving.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days.
• Be sure to dry the broccoli thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from diluting the dressing.
• There's no need to cook the broccoli for this recipe.
• For a quicker option, you can substitute store-bought coleslaw dressing instead of making the homemade one.

 

Nutrition

Calories: 317 kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 330mg | Potassium: 365mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 10g
Vitamin A: 585 IU | Vitamin C: 81.7mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1mg

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1. Can I prepare the salad the day before?
   
   Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. The flavors only get better as it sits!
2. Do I need to cook the broccoli first?
   
   No, the broccoli is used raw in this recipe for a fresh, crisp texture. Just make sure to chop it into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer, you can blanch the broccoli for a minute, but it’s not necessary.
3. Can I use store-bought dressing instead of making my own?
   
   Absolutely! If you’re short on time, feel free to swap the homemade dressing with a store-bought coleslaw dressing. It’ll still taste great, but making your own adds a personal touch.
4. How can I make this salad a bit lighter?
   
   To lighten things up, you can swap the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a low-fat alternative. This will still give you that creamy texture but with fewer calories.
5. How long will leftovers last?Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. The salad stays fresh and tasty, but make sure to keep it chilled to maintain its crispness!

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