I don’t know about you, but almost everyone I know loves broccoli salad. It is quick and easy to make and is perfect for any occasion any time of year. I have made this Amazing Broccoli Salad many times for buffets and carry-ins. We are coming into summer right now and this recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and crunch that pairs wonderfully with any summer barbecue, and we eat so much of it in the warmer months simply because it is a great side dish and you do not have to turn on the oven on those hot summer days.
Broccoli Facts
Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable. It is also in a category of foods called superfoods, which puts it among the best foods for you. It is low in calories and is high in antioxidants and nutrients. It is suggested that broccoli is good for your bone health, immune health, cardiovascular health, helps regulate blood sugar, and can even help to prevent certain cancers. Being high in fiber it not only helps you feel fuller longer but aids in digestion and regularity.
The table below shows the total calories and most nutrients contained in one cup of broccoli. These may vary a bit according to several factors including whether it is fresh or processed, frozen, or cooked.
Amazing Broccoli Salad
I absolutely love this broccoli salad, and while I made it with slivered almonds for this post, it is absolutely delicious substituting sunflower seeds for the almonds.
- 1 C. light mayonnaise
- 1/3 C. sugar
- 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp celery seed
- 2 heads broccoli or 32 oz bag of fresh precut florets
- 12 oz bacon
- 1/2 C. slivered almonds or no shell sunflower seeds
- 1/2 onion, diced ~ red onion gives a bit more bite or use a sweet onion for a lighter taste
- 1-1/2 red seedless grapes, halved or quartered (depending on the size of the grapes)
- Cook bacon until crispy and set aside on a paper towel to cool. When cooled, crush the bacon into small pieces.
- Cut broccoli into small, bitesize pieces, and place in a large bowl.
- Add almonds, grapes, crushed bacon, to the broccoli florets.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, celery seed, and sugar together until thoroughly combined.
- Pour dressing over broccoli and mix thoroughly.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Right after you make this if you are using a red onion it will have quite a bite to it, but after this sits the dressing will mellow the flavor.
Amazing Broccoli Salad
I absolutely love this broccoli salad, and while I made it with slivered almonds for this post, it is absolutely delicious substituting sunflower seeds for the almonds.
Ingredients
- 12 oz. bacon
- 2 heads broccoli or one 24 oz. package of fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 onion, diced - red for more bite or a sweet onion for a milder taste
- 1 1/2 C. red seedless grapes, halved or quartered, depending on size
- 1/2 C. slivered toasted almonds or no shell sunflower seeds, toasted
- 1 C. light mayonnaise
- 1/3 C. sugar
- 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp. celery seed
Instructions
Cook bacon until crispy and set aside on a paper towel to cool. When cooled, crush the bacon into small pieces.
Cut broccoli into small, bite-size pieces, and place in a large bowl.
Add almonds, grapes, crushed bacon, and onions to the broccoli florets.
Whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, celery seed, and sugar together until thoroughly combined to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over into the bowl with broccoli, grapes, diced onions, and almonds or sunflower seeds and mix until thoroughly combined.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
If you use a red onion for this recipe it will have quite a bite when first made, but the dressing will mellow the flavor of the onion and if left for a few hours will give a great flavor to this salad.
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This amazing broccoli salad pairs wonderfully with these Brown Sugar Pork chops.
