Vibrant Broccoli Salad with Tangy Dressing Recipe: Fresh & Crunchy

Crafting a vibrant broccoli salad sparks joy in every healthy eating adventure.

Crisp green florets dance with colorful companions, creating a delightful medley of textures.

Crunchy almonds and sweet dried cranberries add unexpected depth to this simple dish.

Zesty dressing brings a bold punch that makes vegetables feel like a celebration.

Packed with nutrients and flavor, this salad breaks through boring meal routines.

Minimal prep time means you can whip up this delicious creation in minutes.

Dive into a plate that makes eating greens feel like pure pleasure.

Why Vibrant Broccoli Salad With Tangy Dressing Is A Favorite

• Craft Colorful Nutrition: Packed with vibrant broccoli, this salad delivers a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants in every delightful bite.
• Create Hassle-Free Meal: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks looking for a quick and delicious side dish.
• Customize with Creativity: Easily swap ingredients like nuts, cheese, or dried fruits to match personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potluck Star: Guaranteed to be a hit at gatherings, picnics, and family dinners with its irresistible blend of crunchy textures and tangy flavors.

What You Need For Vibrant Broccoli Salad With Tangy Dressing

• Broccoli: Fresh and crunchy vegetable that serves as the base of the salad.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese that adds rich flavor and texture.
• Bacon: Crispy and savory meat that provides a smoky element to the salad.

• Dried Cranberries, Sunflower Seeds: Sweet and crunchy additions that create a delightful contrast in texture.
• Red Onion: Provides a sharp and zesty bite to the overall flavor profile.

• Mayonnaise, White Vinegar, Sugar, Salt, Pepper: Creamy and tangy components that combine to create a smooth, balanced dressing that coats and enhances the salad ingredients.

Steps To Prepare Vibrant Broccoli Salad With Tangy Dressing

Step 1: Chop and Gather Fresh Ingredients

Grab a sharp knife and cutting board. Finely chop crisp broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces.

Slice red onions into thin, delicate rings. Crumble smoky bacon into small, irresistible bits.

Get ready to create a salad bursting with flavor and texture.

• Broccoli
• Red onion
• Bacon
• Cheddar cheese
• Dried cranberries
• Sunflower seeds

Step 2: Craft the Creamy Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together creamy mayonnaise with zesty white vinegar.

Add a touch of sweetness with sugar, then season with salt and black pepper. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety, creating a perfect coating for your salad.

• Mayonnaise
• White vinegar
• Sugar
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Combine and Mix

Pour the silky dressing over the prepared ingredients. Use a large spoon to gently toss everything together, ensuring each ingredient gets a luxurious coating of the tangy dressing.

Make sure every piece is evenly dressed and mixed.

Step 4: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid.

Place the salad in the refrigerator and let it rest for at least one hour. This waiting time allows the flavors to mingle and develop, creating a more complex and delicious taste experience.

Step 5: Final Touch and Serve

Remove the salad from the refrigerator. Give it a quick stir to redistribute the dressing.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with a pinch of salt or pepper. Serve chilled and enjoy the crisp, flavorful broccoli salad that’s perfect for any occasion.

Simple Tips For Vibrant Broccoli Salad With Tangy Dressing

• Opt for fresh, crisp broccoli with tight, deep green florets to ensure the best texture and flavor in your salad.
• Swap bacon with crispy tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that still delivers a satisfying crunch.
• Reduce sugar in the dressing by using a sugar-free alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-calorie option.
• Make the salad ahead of time and let it marinate overnight to intensify the tangy flavors and soften the broccoli slightly.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, giving it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

New Combos For Vibrant Broccoli Salad With Tangy Dressing

• Mediterranean Broccoli Salad: Replace bacon with crumbled feta cheese, swap sunflower seeds for pine nuts, and use olive oil with lemon juice instead of mayonnaise dressing.
• Spicy Asian Broccoli Slaw: Add shredded carrots, replace white vinegar with rice vinegar, mix in sriracha sauce, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
• Vegan Protein Boost: Substitute bacon and cheese with roasted chickpeas, use vegan mayonnaise, add quinoa for extra protein, and include diced bell peppers for crunch.
• Nutty Green Salad: Replace cranberries with chopped apple, swap sunflower seeds for toasted almonds, use Greek yogurt in the dressing, and sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley.

Sides That Pair With Vibrant Broccoli Salad With Tangy Dressing

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the tangy broccoli salad with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which cuts through the creamy dressing and balances the salad's rich flavors.
• Serve with Grilled Protein: Match the salad alongside grilled chicken breast or seared salmon to create a complete, nutritious meal that highlights the salad's vibrant textures and taste profile.
• Enhance with Hearty Bread: Add a slice of rustic sourdough or crusty whole grain bread to provide a satisfying crunch and soak up the delicious dressing, making the meal more filling and enjoyable.
• Create a Picnic Platter: Arrange the broccoli salad with cold cuts, additional cheese varieties, and olives for a delightful spread that offers multiple flavor dimensions and interesting eating experience.

Store Vibrant Broccoli Salad With Tangy Dressing The Smart Way

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover broccoli salad to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the container sealed to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Avoid Freezing: Skip freezing this salad as mayonnaise-based dressings and fresh vegetables break down and become watery when thawed, ruining the crisp texture and flavor.
• Quick Refresh: Before serving chilled leftovers, drain any excess liquid and give the salad a quick stir to redistribute the dressing and ingredients evenly.
• Crunch Tip: If the salad seems soggy after storing, add a fresh sprinkle of sunflower seeds or crispy bacon bits just before serving to restore the crunchy texture.

Questions About Vibrant Broccoli Salad With Tangy Dressing

• Is this broccoli salad healthy?

Yes, it offers nutritional benefits with broccoli packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. The sunflower seeds provide healthy fats and protein, making it a balanced side dish.

• Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with crispy tofu bits, roasted nuts, or plant-based bacon alternatives to maintain crunch and flavor.

• How long will the broccoli salad stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this salad remains crisp and delicious for 2-3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

• Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing.

Vibrant Broccoli Salad with Tangy Dressing Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Tangy broccoli salad brings Mediterranean freshness to your table with crisp vegetables and zesty flavors. Crunchy florets and bold seasonings create a light, refreshing dish you’ll savor with every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables:

• 5 cups broccoli florets, chopped
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

Proteins and Cheese:

• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Extras and Dressing Components:

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Chop broccoli into bite-sized florets, ensuring uniform pieces for consistent texture and even dressing distribution.
2. Prepare bacon by cooking until crisp, then crumble into small, crunchy fragments that will add smoky depth to the salad.
3. Dice red onion finely to provide sharp, pungent undertones without overwhelming the other ingredients.
4. Combine broccoli, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and red onion in a spacious mixing vessel.
5. Create dressing by whisking mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Drizzle dressing over the salad, gently folding to ensure each ingredient is thoroughly coated with the tangy mixture.
7. Refrigerate for minimum 1 hour, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to marinate, enhancing overall taste profile.
8. Prior to serving, stir salad once more and taste, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper if required.
9. Serve chilled, presenting a vibrant, textural salad with layers of complementary flavors and contrasting crunch.

Notes

• Swap bacon for crispy tempeh or coconut bacon to make the salad vegetarian-friendly and add a smoky crunch.
• Reduce sugar in the dressing by using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup for a healthier alternative.
• Toast sunflower seeds beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the salad’s texture.
• Store the dressing separately from the salad ingredients to prevent sogginess and maintain maximum crispness before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg