Description
Zesty lime-infused “creamy broccoli salad” blends crisp vegetables with tangy dressing for a refreshing summer side. Cool crunch and smooth textures invite you to savor this delightful dish packed with nutritious goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 5 cups (1.2 liters) fresh broccoli florets
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) dried cranberries
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) sunflower seeds
Secondary Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) red onion
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) cooked bacon
Dressing Ingredients:
- ¾ cup (180 milliliters) mayonnaise
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) honey
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Chop broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform size for consistent texture and even dressing coverage.
- Dice red onion finely to distribute sharp flavor throughout the salad and prevent overwhelming individual bites.
- Crumble crispy bacon into small fragments, creating a smoky and crunchy element that complements the creamy dressing.
- Slice sharp cheddar cheese into small cubes or grated pieces to integrate seamlessly with other ingredients.
- Sprinkle dried cranberries to add bursts of sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color contrast to the green broccoli.
- Scatter sunflower seeds for additional nutty crunch and textural complexity.
- Whisk mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and honey in a separate bowl until smooth and well-blended.
- Season dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Pour creamy dressing over prepared ingredients, gently folding to ensure complete and even coating.
- Refrigerate salad for at least one hour, allowing flavors to meld and develop deeper taste profile.
- Stir gently before serving to redistribute dressing and ingredients, maintaining optimal texture and flavor integration.
Notes
- Prep broccoli florets uniformly to ensure even dressing coverage and consistent texture throughout the salad.
- Select crisp, fresh broccoli with vibrant green color to maintain crunchiness and maximize nutritional value.
- Customize the salad by swapping bacon with plant-based alternatives like roasted sunflower seeds or tempeh for vegetarian options.
- Control dressing thickness by adjusting yogurt and mayonnaise ratios, allowing for lighter or richer versions based on personal preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg