Best Broccoli Salad Recipe
This Best Broccoli Salad is a refreshing mix of crisp broccoli, shredded carrots, and tangy cranberries, complemented by crunchy almonds and smoky bacon. It’s tossed in a creamy apple cider vinegar dressing that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors, making it an ideal side dish for any meal or gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 3 heads broccoli, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 carrots, shredded
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
Meat and Nuts
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Fruits and Others
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the broccoli: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil and season generously with kosher salt. This salted water will enhance the broccoli’s flavor as it cooks.
- Blanch the broccoli: Add the broccoli pieces to the boiling water and cook until fork-tender, about 1 to 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, immediately transfer the broccoli to a large bowl filled with ice water to stop the cooking process and retain a vibrant green color. Let it cool completely, then drain well.
- Combine salad ingredients: Transfer the cooled broccoli to a large mixing bowl. Add shredded carrots, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled cooked bacon, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds. Toss gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and stir thoroughly to coat all the ingredients with the creamy dressing. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the almonds lightly before adding them to the salad.
- Can be prepared a few hours in advance; refrigerate to let flavors meld.
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Ensure the broccoli is well-drained after blanching to avoid a soggy salad.
- Bacon can be omitted or replaced with a vegetarian bacon alternative for a vegetarian version.
Keywords: broccoli salad, broccoli recipe, bacon salad, healthy salad, side dish, easy salad, summer salad
Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/best-broccoli-salad-recipe/
