The Ultimate Creamy Broccoli Salad: Your New Go-To Summer Side Dish!
Looking for an irresistibly easy and universally loved side dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer? Look no further than this incredible Creamy Broccoli Salad! Bursting with the vibrant flavors of fresh, crisp broccoli, the sharp tang of finely diced red onion, the sweet chewiness of dried cranberries, the satisfying crunch of toasted sunflower seeds, and the savory goodness of crispy bacon, all enrobed in a luscious, creamy, and slightly sweet dressing, this classic recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. It’s a timeless favorite that always disappears fast!
Embracing Summer with Delicious Side Dishes
Hooray for summertime! The kids just finished their last day of school, and after a week of fog, I finally woke up to glorious sunshine. While the end of the school year means a crazy schedule is temporarily on hold (at least until football season in August!), it also means my lively crew is home with me all day long. And no, I’m not one of those moms who fills the summer with expensive camps – those can be incredibly costly, especially with four kids! Instead, I embrace the opportunity for more family time, which often includes getting everyone involved in the kitchen. Who knows, maybe my oldest will learn to take and edit food pictures for me this summer! That thought alone makes me even more excited for the months ahead.
What truly gets me excited for summer, however, is the food! I absolutely LOVE barbecuing and anything grilled. And when it comes to summer meals, the side dishes are just as important as the main course. Today, I’m thrilled to share a cherished family favorite recipe my mom used to make (and I’m betting you’ve made it or enjoyed it a time or two yourself!) – this incredibly popular Creamy Broccoli Salad.
Why This Creamy Broccoli Salad is a Must-Try
My husband is an absolute fanatic for this salad. In fact, I’ve often had to hide it in the fridge while it’s marinating, or else I’ll find the entire bowl mysteriously empty by dinner time! 😉 It’s such a perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and intensely flavorful components that you honestly won’t be able to stop eating it. It’s just that good!
The magic of this classic broccoli salad lies in the harmonious combination of its simple yet powerful ingredients. You get the fresh, vibrant goodness of raw broccoli, providing a satisfying crunch and a boost of nutrients. The finely diced red onion adds a subtle zing and a touch of color, while the dried cranberries bring a delightful sweetness and chewiness that beautifully contrasts with the savory elements. And speaking of savory, the crispy crumbled bacon is a game-changer, infusing the entire salad with a smoky, salty depth that is utterly addictive.
But the true star that ties it all together is the creamy dressing. This homemade dressing, typically made with mayonnaise, a touch of sugar, and white vinegar, creates a luscious coating that transforms the raw vegetables into something truly special. It’s tangy, subtly sweet, and incredibly smooth, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. Don’t take my word for it; try it out today! While the idea of broccoli with dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon might sound unconventional to some, do not be fooled – it’s the best flavor combination ever, promising a culinary experience that will delight your palate.
Tips for Crafting the Perfect Creamy Broccoli Salad
Selecting Your Ingredients
- Broccoli: Always opt for fresh, firm broccoli heads. Cut them into small, bite-sized florets. Uniform pieces ensure even coating with the dressing and make the salad easier to eat. Some prefer to lightly blanch their broccoli for a softer texture, but raw broccoli offers a fantastic crunch that is integral to this salad’s appeal.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon is non-negotiable! Cook it until perfectly crisp, then crumble it into small pieces. The smoky, salty flavor and crunchy texture are essential.
- Red Onion: Finely dicing the red onion is key. You want its flavor to be present but not overpowering. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak the diced onion in ice water for about 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salad; this mellows its bite significantly.
- Dried Cranberries: These add a wonderful sweetness and chewy texture. If you don’t have cranberries, golden raisins or chopped dried cherries make excellent substitutes.
- Sunflower Seeds: These provide a fantastic nutty crunch. For an even deeper flavor, consider lightly toasting them in a dry pan for a few minutes until fragrant before adding to the salad. Toasted slivered almonds or chopped pecans can also be delicious alternatives.
Crafting the Creamy Dressing
The dressing is surprisingly simple but yields incredibly delicious results. It’s a harmonious blend of creamy, sweet, and tangy elements:
- Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base. The original recipe suggests light mayonnaise to cut down on calories, which works beautifully without compromising flavor.
- Sweetener: The recipe calls for either Truvia Baking Blend or regular granulated sugar. The sweetness balances the tang of the vinegar and the savory bacon, creating that signature sweet and savory profile. Adjust to your preference!
- White Vinegar: A touch of white vinegar provides the essential tang and acidity, cutting through the richness of the mayonnaise and brightening all the flavors in the salad.
The Art of Marinating
One of the best aspects of this Creamy Broccoli Salad is that it actually improves with a little time in the refrigerator. After mixing all the ingredients with the dressing, allow it to marinate for at least an hour or two before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, the broccoli to slightly soften, and the dressing to penetrate all the components, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious salad. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute all that creamy goodness!
You can also prepare this salad ahead of time for busy schedules. Chop your broccoli and onion, cook your bacon, and mix your dressing up to a day in advance. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Combine them a couple of hours before you plan to serve, allowing ample time for the flavors to develop.
A Health-Conscious Choice (Mostly!)
While the creamy dressing might suggest indulgence, remember that this is a BROCCOLI salad! Broccoli is a powerhouse of nutrition, rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, fiber, and various antioxidants. Adding dried cranberries brings more antioxidants, and sunflower seeds contribute healthy fats and Vitamin E. So, even with a little extra richness from the dressing, you’re still enjoying a significant dose of healthful ingredients. I’ve tried lightening the recipe up a bit by using Truvia in place of sugar and using light mayo instead of regular, and it still tastes fantastic. But honestly, for all the wonderful veggies packed into it, a few extra calories are perfectly justified, right?! Enjoy every delicious, guilt-free bite!
Creamy Broccoli Salad
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Ingredients
- 1 lb. fresh broccoli cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 lb. bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 small red onion diced finely
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 3/4 cup sunflower seed kernels
- 1 cup light mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Truvia Baking Blend or 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tsp. white vinegar
Instructions
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Toss broccoli with bacon, onion, cranberries and sunflower kernels.
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Whisk together mayo, sugar and vinegar. Toss dressing in with broccoli salad an hour or two before serving. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Stir before serving. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Your Broccoli Salad
This versatile creamy broccoli salad isn’t just for backyard barbecues – though it certainly shines there! It’s an ideal companion for a wide array of main courses and perfect for many occasions. Imagine serving it alongside grilled chicken, juicy burgers, smoked ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, or even simple pan-seared fish. Its refreshing crunch and creamy texture provide a wonderful contrast to heavier or richer main dishes. It’s also a fantastic addition to potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings, where it always manages to be a standout. A generous bowl of Creamy Broccoli Salad, paired with some grilled corn on the cob and a platter of your favorite barbecue, creates the quintessential summer meal. Don’t be surprised if it becomes the star of your meal!
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, this Creamy Broccoli Salad recipe is straightforward, forgiving, and incredibly rewarding. It’s a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create a dish that is both comforting and exciting. Give this timeless classic a try today, and prepare to add it to your permanent recipe rotation. Your taste buds (and your guests!) will undoubtedly thank you!
If you liked this salad recipe, you might like these too:
Southwest Edamame Salad
For a lighter, yet equally flavorful option, our Southwest Edamame Salad brings a vibrant twist with its healthy blend of beans, corn, tomatoes, and cilantro, all united by a zesty dressing. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy garden-fresh ingredients with a Tex-Mex flair.
Mexican Pasta Salad
Craving something a bit heartier? Our Mexican Pasta Salad is a simply delicious side dish featuring black beans, corn, colorful bell peppers, fresh cilantro, ripe tomatoes, and a creamy avocado dressing. It’s perfect for adding a satisfying and bold flavor profile to any meal.
Easy Quinoa Salad
For a truly wholesome and satisfying option, try our Easy Quinoa Salad. It’s packed with nutrient-rich quinoa, sweet grilled corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and a blend of aromatic spices, making it a delightfully healthy and filling side or light main course.