Broccoli Cheese Salad – A Classic Creamy and Crunchy Side Dish
Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 15 mins (plus chilling time)
This Broccoli Cheese Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and creamy side dish, perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or family dinners. Combining crisp broccoli with savory cheddar cheese, tangy red onions, and an irresistibly creamy dressing, this salad offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Optional additions like bacon, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries add complexity, making this a standout dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
Versatile Flavor Profile: The combination of crunchy broccoli, creamy cheddar, and tangy dressing appeals to a wide range of tastes.
Nutrient-Dense: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and protein, this salad provides a nutritional boost to any meal.
Customizable: The ingredients are adaptable to fit various dietary preferences, making it a flexible choice.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Salad:
4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads) – Broccoli is the star ingredient here, providing a crisp texture and rich nutrients, like vitamins A, C, and K. Choose fresh, vibrant heads with tightly packed florets.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – The cheese adds creaminess and a savory note. Sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor, while mild cheddar lends a more subtle taste.
1/2 cup red onion – Red onion contributes a mild bite and color contrast. Finely chopping the onion allows its flavor to blend seamlessly into the salad.
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional) – Bacon is a flavorful addition that brings a smoky, crunchy element. It’s optional, but it adds depth and enhances the salad’s savory profile.
1/3 cup sunflower seeds or sliced almonds (optional) – These add an extra crunch and some healthy fats. Sunflower seeds bring a mild, nutty flavor, while almonds offer a slightly sweet taste.
1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries – These sweet, chewy bits add a contrasting sweetness, balancing out the savory
ingredients.
For the Dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise – Mayonnaise is the base of this dressing, creating a creamy texture. For a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute.
2 tablespoons white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) – Vinegar gives the dressing a tangy kick. White vinegar keeps it neutral, while apple cider vinegar adds a hint of fruity tartness.
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or honey) – This adds a subtle sweetness to balance the vinegar’s acidity. Honey can be used for a natural sweetness.
Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings to enhance the dressing’s flavors. Adjust to taste.
How to Make Broccoli Cheese Salad
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Broccoli:
Begin by washing the broccoli thoroughly. Dry it completely to ensure the dressing adheres to the broccoli. Chop the florets into bite-sized pieces, aiming for uniformity for even mixing and ease of eating.
Combine Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped red onion, crumbled bacon (if using), sunflower seeds or almonds, and raisins or dried cranberries.
Toss these ingredients lightly to ensure an even distribution.
Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add salt and pepper, adjusting the amounts to suit your taste. The dressing should be tangy, slightly sweet, and creamy.
Assemble the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Using a large spoon, gently toss the ingredients to coat each piece of broccoli evenly. Make sure the dressing is thoroughly mixed for an even flavor distribution.
Chill the Salad:
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the salad’s overall taste. The salad can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Extra Crunch: For even more texture, add small cauliflower florets alongside the broccoli. The combination of cauliflower and broccoli adds more fiber, color, and flavor.
Substitute Mayonnaise: If you’re looking for a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt offers a similar creamy texture but is lower in calories and adds a bit of tang.
Zesty Twist: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the dressing for extra zing and brightness.
Make It Sweeter: If you prefer a sweeter salad, increase the amount of raisins or dried cranberries, or add an extra teaspoon of honey to the dressing.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Cheese: Try using Colby Jack or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
Nuts/Seeds: Swap sunflower seeds with toasted pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds for a unique crunch.
Dried Fruits: Replace raisins or cranberries with dried cherries or golden raisins for variety.
Nutritional Benefits of Broccoli Cheese Salad
This salad offers an impressive nutrient profile. Broccoli is rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins C and K. Cheddar cheese provides protein and calcium, while the optional nuts and seeds add heart-healthy fats and additional fiber. By including dried fruit, you add natural sweetness and some additional fiber and antioxidants.
Serving Suggestions
Broccoli Cheese Salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or as a side dish for holiday dinners. It’s also great for BBQs, potlucks, or family gatherings due to its ability to stay fresh for hours.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad holds up well in the fridge, although it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days.
Make-Ahead: This salad is ideal for preparing ahead of time. Combine the salad ingredients and dressing separately, then mix just before serving. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy and keeps the flavors fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh broccoli, as frozen broccoli can become too soft and watery, affecting the salad’s texture.
2. Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, to make it vegan, substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo, omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative, and skip the bacon or use a vegan bacon substitute.
3. Is it possible to reduce the sugar content?
Absolutely. You can decrease or omit the sugar altogether if you prefer a less sweet dressing. You can also replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in small amounts.
4. Can this salad be served warm?
While this is traditionally a cold salad, you could warm it slightly before serving if you prefer. However, chilling allows the flavors to develop fully.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Cheese Salad combines fresh, nutrient-packed ingredients with a creamy, tangy dressing, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection. Whether for a casual family meal, a special holiday gathering, or meal prep, this salad is sure to please. With options to customize and adapt the flavors, it’s easy to make this dish your own. Enjoy the crunch, creaminess, and vibrant taste of this classic Broccoli Cheese Salad!
Broccoli Cheese Salad
Broccoli Cheese Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad:
4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads), chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, your choice)
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional, for added crunch)
1/3 cup sunflower seeds or sliced almonds (optional)
1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
For the Dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or honey for a natural sweetener)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Salad:
Wash and dry the broccoli thoroughly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, red onion, bacon, sunflower seeds, and raisins/dried cranberries.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture.
Toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
