Introduction
Are you ready to elevate your salad game? Say hello to the ultimate crunch without raisins! This Broccoli Salad with Red Grapes, Bacon, and Sunflower Seeds is a flavor-packed dish that you didn’t know you needed. A delightful medley of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements promises to surprise your taste buds and have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Perfect as a side dish or a light main, this salad is sure to become a favorite!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Directions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli florets, red grapes, crumbled bacon, sunflower seeds, and chopped red onion.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until well combined, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
4. Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together.
5. Serve chilled and enjoy the burst of flavor!
Nutritional Information
Each serving is around 280 kcal. Enjoy this vibrant salad as part of a balanced diet!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of chopped broccoli florets, 1 cup of halved red grapes, 6 slices of crumbled bacon (cooked), 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, salt, and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine the Salad and Dressing
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until well combined, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill the Salad
Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the salad chilled and enjoy the burst of flavor!
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Customization Options
Feel free to add other ingredients such as feta cheese or chopped apples for extra flavor and texture.
Cook techniques
Chopping Broccoli
Chop broccoli florets into evenly sized pieces to ensure thorough mixing and uniform flavor absorption.
Crumbled Bacon
Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces for easy distribution throughout the salad.
Halving Grapes
Halve red grapes for a burst of sweetness in every bite; this enhances both texture and flavor balance.
Tossing Ingredients
When mixing the salad and dressing, gently toss to combine, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly coated without bruising the delicate grapes.
Chilling the Salad
Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the dressing to meld with the other ingredients, enhancing the overall flavor.
FAQ
Can I use other nuts instead of sunflower seeds?
Yes, you can substitute sunflower seeds with nuts like almonds or walnuts for a different crunch.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can replace mayonnaise with a vegan alternative and omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon.
How long can I store leftover salad?
You can store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the texture may change.
Can I add more vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or cucumbers can add more color and nutrients.
What can I serve this salad with?
This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, or it can be served as a side dish for barbecue or picnic meals.
Conclusion
Broccoli Salad with Red Grapes, Bacon, and Sunflower Seeds offers a delightful crunch and complementary flavors, making it an irresistible dish for any gathering.
More recipe suggestions and combination
Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas and Cucumber
A refreshing and protein-packed alternative that complements various main dishes.
Classic Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken
A timeless salad that adds a savory touch to any meal.
Caprese Salad with Avocado
A flavorful twist on the classic, adding creaminess to the fresh mozzarella and tomatoes.
