If you’re looking for a healthy, vibrant, and refreshing dish to add to your meal plan, this Broccoli Salad is the perfect choice! Packed with crunchy broccoli florets, savory cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and nutty cashews, it’s a simple, nutritious salad that bursts with flavor. Whether you’re preparing a side for a family barbecue or looking for a meal-prep-friendly salad that can last in the fridge for a few days, this recipe has you covered. Let’s dive into the details and discover how you can create this delicious dish in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Salad
- Nutrient-packed: Broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamins C, K, and fiber, making this salad both healthy and satisfying.
- Simple & Fast: This recipe requires minimal prep and comes together in under 15 minutes.
- Versatile: Perfect as a side dish, light lunch, or part of a picnic spread.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of fresh broccoli with the crunch of nuts, sweetness of cranberries, and richness of cheese creates a satisfying blend of textures and tastes.
- Make-ahead friendly: It actually gets better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, making it ideal for meal prepping.
Ingredients
To create this easy and delicious broccoli salad, you’ll need:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 large heads)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes or shredded
- 1/3 cup cashews (or slivered almonds)
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional, for extra crunch)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (can use Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Start by washing the broccoli thoroughly. Cut the florets into small, bite-sized pieces. If you prefer a more tender salad, you can blanch the broccoli for 1-2 minutes in boiling water and then immediately transfer it to an ice bath to retain the bright green color. Otherwise, using raw broccoli provides a wonderful crunch and fresh taste.
Step 2: Mix the Salad Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, dried cranberries, diced red onion, cheddar cheese cubes, cashews, and sunflower seeds (if using). This combination brings together an exciting mix of colors and textures that will make your salad pop.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey until smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you’d like to make this dressing lighter, you can substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise.
Step 4: Toss the Salad
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large mixing bowl. Toss everything together until the broccoli and other ingredients are well coated in the dressing. Make sure the cranberries and cheese are evenly distributed so that every bite is full of flavor.
Step 5: Let It Chill
For the best results, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and the broccoli to slightly soften, making it even more delicious.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your broccoli salad has chilled, give it a final toss and serve it chilled. Whether as a side dish for grilled chicken or burgers, or simply on its own, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as tasty as it is healthy.
Tips & Tricks
- Blanching Option: If raw broccoli is too crunchy for your liking, lightly blanch the florets by placing them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then plunging them into ice water. This keeps the broccoli vibrant but slightly more tender.
- Customizing the Salad: You can easily swap out the nuts or dried fruit for whatever you have on hand. Sliced almonds, pecans, or raisins can be used in place of cashews or cranberries.
- Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar adds a great flavor contrast, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as feta or gouda for a different twist.
- Dressing Variations: For a tangier dressing, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of lemon juice.
Flavor Profile
This broccoli salad is all about balance. The broccoli brings a fresh, slightly bitter crunch, while the dried cranberries add bursts of sweetness. The cheddar cheese introduces a rich, creamy, and salty bite, and the cashews provide a buttery, nutty contrast. The dressing ties everything together with its sweet-tangy flavor, ensuring each bite is refreshing and delicious.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
This salad serves approximately 6 people. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 320mg
These values can change slightly based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but overall, this broccoli salad is a healthy and well-balanced choice!
Variations & Additions
Want to put your own spin on this broccoli salad? Here are a few fun ideas:
- Add Bacon: Crispy bacon bits are a classic addition to broccoli salad, adding a savory, salty crunch that pairs well with the sweetness of the cranberries.
- Go Vegan: For a dairy-free or vegan version, swap out the mayonnaise for vegan mayo and the cheese for a plant-based alternative.
- Add Grains: To make this salad heartier, you could add cooked quinoa, farro, or couscous. This can turn the salad into a more filling meal option.
- Toss in Some Fruit: Fresh apple slices, pomegranate seeds, or grapes can bring even more sweetness and freshness to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This broccoli salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or salmon for a light and fresh side that complements the rich flavors of the grill.
- Burgers: Whether you’re grilling beef, turkey, or veggie burgers, this salad is a cool, crunchy side that balances out the meal.
- Picnic or Potluck: This salad holds up well for a few hours without refrigeration, making it ideal for outdoor events or potlucks.
Storage & Leftovers
One of the best things about broccoli salad is how well it keeps! Stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better as they marinate, so feel free to make this dish ahead of time.
If you find yourself with leftovers, they make a great lunch on their own or added to a wrap with some grilled chicken or turkey for a quick and tasty meal.
Seasonal Recommendations
This salad is perfect for spring and summer when broccoli is in peak season, but it’s also a great year-round dish. It adds a fresh, crisp element to fall and winter meals, brightening up the table during cooler months.
Wine & Beverage Pairings
When it comes to pairing beverages with this broccoli salad, consider the fresh and zesty flavors:
- White wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the crispness of the salad without overpowering it.
- Iced tea with lemon or a light, fruity sparkling water would also be refreshing non-alcoholic options.
- If you’re a fan of beer, opt for a light pilsner or wheat beer to enhance the subtle flavors.
