Broccoli Salad Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a fresh, crunchy salad, and that’s exactly what you’ll get with this Broccoli Salad Recipe. I remember the first time I made this dish for a family gathering. I was excited to serve something vibrant and packed with flavors that everyone could enjoy. The combination of crisp broccoli, sweet blueberries, and crunchy honey-toasted walnuts creates such a delightful symphony of textures and tastes. The moment I presented it, I could see my family’s eyes widen with curiosity. Little did they know how wonderfully simple it was to prepare!

This Broccoli Salad Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, especially during the spring. It’s light yet filling, making it perfect as a side dish for barbecues or a healthy lunch option. Each bite is a burst of freshness, and the dressing—made with creamy Greek yogurt and a hint of lemon—ties it all together beautifully. It’s a dish that invites conversation and compliments, and I can’t help but feel proud every time I serve it.

As you gather your ingredients and prepare this salad, I encourage you to think about your favorite moments spent sharing meals with loved ones. This Broccoli Salad Recipe is not just about the ingredients; it’s about creating memories and enjoying the time spent together. So let’s dive in and bring this delightful dish to your table!

Ingredients for Broccoli Salad Recipe

For this Broccoli Salad Recipe, we bring together a delightful mix of ingredients that not only taste amazing but also work in harmony to create a balanced dish. The key players here are the fresh broccoli and the honey-toasted walnuts, which add texture and flavor. The combination of yogurt and mayonnaise in the dressing gives it a creamy richness that coats each bite beautifully.

• 2 large crowns of broccoli – Chopped into florets, providing a crunchy base rich in vitamins.
• ¼ red onion – Thinly sliced for a sharp, zesty flavor that complements the sweetness.
• 4.5 ounces fresh blueberries – Juicy and sweet, these berries add a burst of flavor and color.
• ½ cup dried cranberries – Offering a chewy texture and a sweet-tart contrast to the salad.
• ⅓ cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt – Creamy and tangy, it forms the base of the dressing.
• 3 tablespoons avocado oil mayonnaise – Adds richness and depth to the dressing.
• Zest of 1 lemon – Infusing fresh citrus notes into the dish.
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – Brightens up the flavors and adds acidity.
• 2 tablespoons honey – Sweetens the dressing and enhances the flavors of the fruits.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt – A crucial seasoning to balance the flavors.
• ⅔ cup raw walnut halves – These will be toasted for added crunch and nuttiness.
• 2 teaspoons olive oil – For toasting the walnuts, adding flavor and richness.
• 1.5 tablespoons honey – To glaze the walnuts, making them sweet and caramelized.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt – For seasoning the walnuts as they toast.

How to Cook Broccoli Salad Recipe

Cooking this Broccoli Salad Recipe is a breeze! You’ll love how quickly you can put together such a flavorful dish. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a beautiful salad ready in no time.

1. Add all ingredients for the walnuts to a small skillet and heat over medium. You’ll want to cook them for about 5 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently. Look for the mixture to become very bubbly and the walnuts to caramelize into a stunning golden-brown color. Once they’re toasted to perfection, set aside and let them cool. When they’re cool enough to handle, chop the walnuts into smaller pieces.
2. Next, soak the broccoli in a large water bath for 10 minutes. This step is crucial for removing any dirt and ensuring freshness. After soaking, remove the broccoli from the water and pat dry with a clean towel.
3. Now, chop the broccoli crowns into small florets, and don’t forget to include the stems. They’re just as delicious! Add both the florets and the stems to a large serving bowl, creating a colorful base.
4. In a small bowl, it’s time to whip up the dressing. Stir together the yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, and salt. This creamy mixture is going to envelop all the flavors in the salad.
5. Pour this scrumptious mixture over the broccoli in the serving bowl. It’s important to stir well to ensure that every piece of broccoli is coated with this delicious dressing.
6. Finally, add in the red onion, blueberries, dried cranberries, and the toasted walnuts. Gently toss everything together, making sure to combine all the elements evenly.
7. Serve this Broccoli Salad Recipe alongside your favorite entree and watch it become a star at your table!

Ways to Customize

There are so many ways to tweak this Broccoli Salad Recipe to suit your tastes! Here are some ideas to create your perfect salad.

• Add protein: Consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
• Incorporate other fruits: Throw in some diced apples or pears for added sweetness and crunch.
• Explore different nuts: Swap the walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
• Change the dressing: Experiment with different dressings like a balsamic vinaigrette for a tangy twist.
• Herbal notes: Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can elevate the flavor and freshness of the salad.
• Make it vegan: Use vegan yogurt and mayonnaise to make this dish plant-based.

What Goes Well With This Broccoli Salad Recipe

Serving the Broccoli Salad Recipe is a delightful experience, especially when you think about the many tasty things it pairs well with. Here are some ideas on what to serve alongside this refreshing salad:

• Grilled chicken: The subtle flavors of grilled chicken complement the vibrant notes of the salad.
• Roasted vegetables: A side of roasted veggies pairs well with the crunch of the salad.
• Sandwiches: Perfect for lunch, this salad makes an excellent side to any sandwich, from turkey to veggie.
• Quiche: Enjoy this salad with a slice of quiche for a lovely brunch option.
• Picnic dishes: It’s a great addition to any picnic spread, providing freshness among heavier dishes.
• Potlucks: Ideal for gatherings, this salad is sure to be a hit among guests.
• Seasonal celebrations: It brightens up any spring or summer gathering, making it a versatile choice.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Broccoli Salad Recipe is truly a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors and textures. It’s an easy dish that brings a wholesome touch to any meal, making it a favorite among family and friends. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll love how quickly it comes together and how delicious it is. Enjoy the crunch, the sweetness, and the delightful dressing, and make it a part of your next gathering!

Broccoli Salad Recipe

This Broccoli Salad Recipe combines crunchy, fresh broccoli with sweet blueberries and honey-toasted walnuts, all coated in a creamy dressing. It's a perfect side dish for any occasion and sure to impress your family and friends. Try this vibrant, nutritious salad tonight!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 large crowns broccoli chopped into florets
• ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
• 4.5 ounces fresh blueberries
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ⅓ cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoons avocado oil mayonnaise
• 1 each lemon zest of
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ⅔ cup raw walnut halves
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1.5 tablespoons honey
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Equipment

• Skillet
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Add all ingredients for the walnuts to a small skillet and heat over medium. Cook 5 to 8 minutes until mixture is very bubbly and walnuts have caramelized and turned golden-brown. Set aside and allow to cool. Chop the walnuts when cool enough to handle.
2. Soak the broccoli in a large water bath for 10 minutes. Remove from the water and pat dry.
3. Chop the broccoli crowns into small florets, and chop the broccoli stems. Add stems and florets to a large serving bowl.
4. In a small bowl, stir together the yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon zest and juice, honey, and salt.
5. Pour this mixture over the broccoli and stir well to coat all of the broccoli with dressing.
6. Add the red onion, blueberries, dried cranberries, and toasted walnuts. Toss everything together and serve with your favorite entree.

Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing: It's not recommended to freeze this salad due to the fresh ingredients.
• Pairing: This salad goes well with grilled meats, sandwiches, and as a picnic dish.
• Make ahead: You can prepare this salad a few hours in advance for the best flavor.
• Ingredient freshness: Use the freshest produce available for the best taste.

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Meet Hailey Anderson

My passion is creating food that nourishes your body without sacrificing flavor. I’m our main recipe developer for vibrant salads, smoothies, and feel-good breakfasts. When I’m not blending or chopping, I’m right alongside Brooke and Jenna, helping to cook and test our new dinner and dessert recipes. I’m a firm believer in balance!