Best 2 Sweet And Nutty Broccoli Salad Recipes

Broccoli salad, a vibrant and refreshing side dish, offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Its main ingredient, broccoli, provides a crunchy base, while the addition of sweet raisins, crunchy almonds, and a tangy dressing creates a harmonious balance of flavors. This salad is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. The recipe includes three variations: a classic Sweet and Nutty Broccoli Salad, a lighter Lemon-Herb Broccoli Salad, and a creamy Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese. Whether you're looking for a healthy side dish for your next potluck or a quick and easy lunch option, these broccoli salad recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

NUTTY AND SWEET BROCCOLI SALAD

Nutty and Sweet Broccoli Salad image

I found this recipe in the cookbook Gardening and Cooking with Diane. If you are a vegetarian you could leave out the bacon or substitute with artificial bacon bits.

Provided by Kaykwilts

Categories Vegetable

Time 15m

Yield 15 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 bunch broccoli floret, chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup nuts, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1/2 lb bacon, fried crisp
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup vinegar
1/4 cup sugar

Steps:

Break bacon into pieces and add just before serving.
Toss together the broccoli, onion, sunflower seeds, raisins, nuts, celery and bacon.
Mix dressing ingredients (mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar) well and pour over salad and serve.

SWEET AND NUTTY BROCCOLI SALAD

SWEET AND NUTTY BROCCOLI SALAD image

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

Dressing
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
2 tablespoons wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup raisins
Salad
2 Bunches broccoli (tips only), cut in florets
1 red onion, chopped
1 cup sunflower seeds
l/4 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled

Steps:

To make dressing, combine all ingr. except raisins, Add raisins and let stand for at least 30 minutes. The flavors blend even better if allowed to stand, refrigerated, overnight. Just before serving, combine salad ingredients; toss with dressing, so that dressing lightly coats broccoli, saving any extra dressing for another use.

Tips for Making the Broccoli Salad:

Use fresh broccoli: Fresh, crisp broccoli florets are essential for this salad. Avoid using frozen or thawed broccoli, as it will not have the same texture or flavor.
Cut the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces: This will make them easier to eat and help the salad dressing evenly coat the broccoli.
Don't overcook the broccoli: Blanch the broccoli florets for just a few minutes, until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Overcooked broccoli will be mushy and lose its flavor.
Use a variety of nuts: This recipe calls for a combination of almonds, walnuts, and cashews. Feel free to use other nuts that you like, such as pecans, hazelnuts, or pistachios.
Make the dressing ahead of time: The dressing for this salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance. This will give the flavors time to meld and develop.
Chill the salad before serving: This will help the flavors to come together and will make the salad more refreshing.

Conclusion:

This sweet and nutty broccoli salad is a delicious and healthy side dish that is perfect for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues. It is also a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables! The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the crunchy nuts and tender broccoli, makes this salad a real crowd-pleaser.