Okay, you guys, I have to tell you about this Crunchy Broccoli Salad Supreme. Seriously, it’s become my go-to for potlucks, BBQs, or just when I need something fresh and satisfying. I first made this years ago when I was trying to sneak more veggies into my family’s diet without them even realizing it, and wow, did it work! The crunch from the broccoli and the nuts is just SO good, and it’s packed with healthy stuff. It’s one of those recipes that’s super simple but always gets rave reviews. Trust me, it’s a winner!
Why You’ll Love This Crunchy Broccoli Salad Supreme
Seriously, this salad is a lifesaver! Here’s why it’s a total winner:
- Super Quick: You can whip it up in about 15 minutes, perfect for when you’re in a pinch.
- Packed with Goodness: It’s loaded with fresh veggies, healthy fats from seeds and nuts, and fiber.
- That Crunch! The combination of raw broccoli, crisp celery, and crunchy nuts and seeds is just unbeatable.
- So Versatile: It’s the perfect side dish for almost anything, from grilled chicken to burgers.
Gather Your Ingredients for Crunchy Broccoli Salad Supreme
Alright, let’s get our ingredients ready for this amazing Crunchy Broccoli Salad Supreme! You’ll need 1 pound of fresh broccoli florets, make sure they’re washed and cut into nice, bite-sized pieces so you get that perfect crunch in every bite. Then, grab half a cup of red onion, chopped up really fine so it doesn’t overpower the salad. We also need half a cup of celery, also finely chopped for that extra bit of crispness. For a touch of sweetness and chewiness, we’ll add a quarter cup of dried cranberries. Now for the star crunch makers: a quarter cup of sunflower seeds and another quarter cup of chopped almonds. For the creamy dressing, you’ll need half a cup of good ol’ mayonnaise, two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar for a little tang, and one tablespoon of sugar to balance everything out. And of course, don’t forget salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Crunchy Broccoli Salad Supreme
So, why these ingredients? The raw broccoli is key for that signature crunch and freshness. If you’re not a fan of red onion, you could try a shallot, but red onion really adds a nice bite. For the nuts and seeds, feel free to get creative! Pecans or walnuts work beautifully instead of almonds, and pepitas (pumpkin seeds) are a fantastic substitute for sunflower seeds. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or even a good quality red wine vinegar can work in a pinch, though it’ll change the flavor a bit. Want it sweeter? Just add another teaspoon of sugar. Need more tang? A splash more vinegar is your friend!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crunchy Broccoli Salad Supreme
Making this Crunchy Broccoli Salad Supreme is honestly so easy, you’ll be making it all the time. It’s mostly just chopping and mixing, which I love because it means less time fussing in the kitchen and more time enjoying delicious food!
Preparing the Broccoli Base
First things first, get all your chopped goodies together in a big bowl! We’re talking about that crisp broccoli, the finely diced red onion and celery, those sweet dried cranberries, and of course, our crunchy pals, the sunflower seeds and chopped almonds. Give it all a good toss to make sure everything is nicely distributed.
Crafting the Creamy Dressing
Now, for the magic that ties it all together! In a separate, smaller bowl, grab your mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Whisk it all up until it’s super smooth and creamy. You want it to be well-emulsified, which just means it’s all nicely blended and not separated. That’s it for the dressing!
Combining and Seasoning Your Masterpiece
Pour that glorious dressing right over your broccoli mixture in the big bowl. Now, gently toss everything together. You want to make sure every single piece of broccoli and every little bit of crunch gets coated in that creamy dressing. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper here – taste it as you go and season it up until it’s just right for you!
Chilling for Optimal Flavor
This is a super important step, so don’t skip it! Cover that bowl tightly and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial because it lets all those amazing flavors really meld together. It also helps the broccoli and celery soften just a tiny bit, making the salad even more delicious.
Tips for the Ultimate Crunchy Broccoli Salad Supreme
Want to take this Crunchy Broccoli Salad Supreme from great to absolutely legendary? My biggest tip is all about that crunch! Make sure your broccoli is super dry after washing it – any extra water can make it soggy. Also, don’t chop your veggies too small; you want those nice, crisp pieces. For flavor balance, taste your dressing before you add it all to the salad. If it’s too tangy, a pinch more sugar will fix it right up. Too sweet? A tiny bit more vinegar. When you serve it, try adding a few extra sunflower seeds or a sprinkle of chopped almonds right on top – it looks so pretty and guarantees that first bite is perfectly crunchy!
Serving Suggestions for Crunchy Broccoli Salad Supreme
This Crunchy Broccoli Salad Supreme is so versatile, it’s practically a chameleon! It’s absolutely divine alongside grilled chicken or burgers fresh off the BBQ. It’s also a fantastic addition to any picnic spread, sitting right next to potato salad or coleslaw. We love it as a light lunch with some crusty bread, or even as a hearty side for pulled pork sandwiches. Honestly, it just makes everything taste better!
Storing and Reheating Your Crunchy Broccoli Salad Supreme
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop your Crunchy Broccoli Salad Supreme into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It stays nice and fresh for about 3-4 days, though honestly, it’s best eaten within the first couple of days to keep that amazing crunch. Since it’s a cold salad, you don’t need to reheat it at all – just give it a good stir before serving again!
Frequently Asked Questions about Crunchy Broccoli Salad Supreme
Got questions about this amazing Crunchy Broccoli Salad Supreme? I’ve got answers!
Q1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! It’s actually even better if you make it a few hours ahead, or even the night before. This gives all those yummy flavors time to really meld together beautifully. Just keep it covered in the fridge, and give it a good stir before serving.
Q2. What are some variations for this broccoli salad?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can totally swap out the nuts and seeds – pecans, cashews, or even peanuts work well. If you don’t have dried cranberries, raisins or even chopped dried apricots are delicious. For a bit of protein, some people add chopped hard-boiled eggs or even cooked chicken. And if you like a little more zing, try adding some chopped bell peppers!
Q3. How long does Crunchy Broccoli Salad Supreme last?
This salad stays wonderfully fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. However, to keep that signature crunch at its best, I really recommend enjoying it within the first 2 days. The broccoli and other veggies can soften a bit over time, but it’s still tasty!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional values provided for this Crunchy Broccoli Salad Supreme are estimates. They can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use.
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Crunchy Broccoli Salad Supreme: 15 Min Treat
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and healthy broccoli salad with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
- 1 pound broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli florets, red onion, celery, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and almonds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a sweeter salad, add a bit more sugar.
- You can substitute other nuts or seeds for the sunflower seeds and almonds.
- For a tangier dressing, add more apple cider vinegar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: broccoli salad, crunchy salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, side dish