Broccoli salad is a fresh, crunchy, and healthy dish, perfect as a side or a light meal. This recipe combines raw broccoli, a creamy dressing, and a variety of add-ins for a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
- 5 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads)
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries or raisins
- ⅓ cup sunflower seeds (or slivered almonds)
- 6 slices cooked plant based bacon, crumbled
For the Dressing:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or sugar for a more traditional version)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Broccoli: Wash and chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. You can also use some of the tender stalks, chopped finely, for added crunch.
- Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and crumbled plant based bacon.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust the sweetness and seasoning to your preference.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold and enjoy!
Calorie Count:
For a typical serving of broccoli salad (1 cup):
- Broccoli: ~50 calories
- plant based Bacon (1 slice): ~42 calories
- Cheddar cheese (¼ cup): ~110 calories
- Dried cranberries (2 tablespoons): ~50 calories
- Sunflower seeds (2 tablespoons): ~90 calories
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): ~180 calories
Total per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories, depending on portion sizes and dressing quantity.
This fresh, flavorful salad can be enjoyed as a side dish or a light meal, and can be customized with additional ingredients like nuts, raisins, or other veggies!
