Best 3 Broccoli Salad With Baked Croutons Recipes

Broccoli salad is a refreshing and versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main course. It's also a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables! This broccoli salad recipe is made with fresh broccoli, bacon, red onion, cranberries, and a creamy dressing. The croutons add a delicious crunch and the almonds add a nutty flavor. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can omit the bacon or use reduced-fat mayonnaise. You can also add other vegetables to this salad, such as shredded carrots, chopped celery, or bell peppers. This recipe also includes instructions for making baked croutons, which are a healthier and more flavorful alternative to store-bought croutons. The croutons are made with bread cubes, olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. They're baked in the oven until they're golden brown and crispy. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy side dish or a healthy and satisfying main course, this broccoli salad is a great option.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

BROCCOLI SALAD

Broccoli Salad image

Fresh broccoli florets team up with crunchy smoked almonds, sweet cranberries, sharp cheddar cheese, and salty bacon in this lightly dressed side dish.

Categories Fourth of July spring Summer tailgate salad side dish

Time 15m

Yield 8-10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 c. mayonnaise
3 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
3 tbsp. granulated sugar
1 tsp. ground black pepper
8 c. small broccoli florets
1 c. dried cranberries
1 c. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 c. smoked almonds, chopped
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 c. chopped red onion

Steps:

For the dressing: Whisk together the mayonnaise and vinegar in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in sugar and pepper until combined and set aside.
For the salad: Add the broccoli florets to dressing mixture; stir together to combine. Add the cranberries, cheese, almonds, bacon, and red onion; stir to combine.
Refrigerate at least 1 hour or up to 3 days before serving.

CROUTON-TOPPED BROCCOLI

Crouton-Topped Broccoli image

"We love this dish-even my children are crazy for it! It goes great with any meat and can easily be doubled," writes Kathy Fry of Brockville, Ontario.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Side Dishes

Time 10m

Yield 5 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) frozen chopped broccoli
2 tablespoons water
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup whole milk
1-1/2 cups cheese and garlic croutons

Steps:

Place broccoli and water in a microwave-safe 2-qt. dish. Cover and microwave on high for 6-8 minutes or until tender; drain. , Stir in the soup, cheeses and milk. Cover and microwave for 2 minutes or until cheeses are melted. Sprinkle with croutons.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 217 calories, Fat 13g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 26mg cholesterol, Sodium 706mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

CARROT BROCCOLI SALAD

Carrot Broccoli Salad image

I created this salad for last summer's round of family reunions and picnics. My in-laws provided me with all the fresh vegetables from their garden.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

6 medium carrots, shredded
1 small bunch broccoli (about 12 ounces), chopped
1 cup raisins
1 small onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2/3 to 1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients. In another bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sugar and mustard. Add to vegetable mixture; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate. Stir in bacon just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 449 calories, Fat 26g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 19mg cholesterol, Sodium 385mg sodium, Carbohydrate 49g carbohydrate (39g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 9g protein.

Tips:

Choose fresh, vibrant broccoli: Look for broccoli with tightly closed florets and a deep green color. Avoid broccoli with yellowing or wilted florets.
Prepare the broccoli florets properly: Cut the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces, removing any tough stems. Blanch the florets in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their鮮度.
Make the croutons ahead of time: The croutons can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This will save you time when you're ready to assemble the salad.
Don't overdress the salad: A little bit of dressing goes a long way. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
Serve the salad immediately: Broccoli salad is best enjoyed fresh. The croutons will start to soften over time, so it's best to serve the salad within a few hours of making it.

Conclusion:

Broccoli salad is a delicious and healthy side dish that can be enjoyed all year round. It's a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables, and it's also a good source of fiber and vitamins. With its crunchy broccoli florets, crispy croutons, and creamy dressing, broccoli salad is sure to be a hit at your next potluck or picnic. The recipes in this article provide a variety of options for making broccoli salad, so you can find one that suits your taste. Whether you prefer a classic broccoli salad with a mayonnaise-based dressing or a lighter version with a vinaigrette, you're sure to find a recipe that you'll love.