It reflects the evolution of culinary preferences and the creative use of nutritious vegetables in modern cuisine. Today, there are countless variations of broccoli salad recipes, each offering a unique twist on this delightful and nutritious dish. It’s a great side dish for picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings.
Ingredients:
- Salad:
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- 4 cups broccoli florets, blanched and chilled
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds
- Dressing:
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- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare Broccoli:
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- Trim the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and pat dry.
- Cook Bacon:
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- Cook the bacon until crisp. Allow it to cool, then crumble it into small pieces.
- Prepare Other Ingredients:
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- Finely chop the red onion and gather the raisins or dried cranberries and sunflower seeds or chopped almonds.
- Make the Dressing:
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- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients:
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- In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, chopped red onion, crumbled bacon, raisins or dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds or chopped almonds.
- Add Dressing:
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- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture.
- Toss Gently:
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- Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Chill:
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- Cover the broccoli salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve:
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- Before serving, give the salad a final toss. Garnish with additional bacon or nuts if desired.
- Enjoy:
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- Serve and enjoy this delicious and crunchy Broccoli Salad!
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding shredded cheddar cheese, diced apples, or chopped red bell pepper for extra flavor and texture. This Broccoli Salad is a crowd-pleaser and a great addition to any summer meal.