Broccoli Cranberry Nut Salad
A vibrant, crunchy salad combining fresh broccoli, tangy cranberries, toasted walnuts, and a sweet mayonnaise dressing, perfect for holiday gatherings or casual side dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cranberries and 1/3 cup sugar; set aside.
- Combine all remaining ingredients in a large bowl.
- Add the cranberries and sugar mixture to the salad and toss well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey bacon instead of traditional bacon. You can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise for added creaminess with less fat. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, dried cranberries can work as a sweet alternative. Add some cheese, like feta, for a tangy twist that complements the flavors. For extra crunch, include sunflower seeds.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli Cranberry Nut Salad is perfect for potlucks or as a side dish for grilled meats. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Maple-Glazed Pork Chops or Stuffed Ham And Cabbage Rolls In Cream Sauce. Garnish with extra walnuts or crumbled bacon for added texture. Serve it chilled for the best flavor and freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may lose some crunch over time, so it's best enjoyed fresh. If you need to reheat, do so gently in a microwave, but keep in mind that the texture will change. Adding fresh broccoli just before serving can help restore some crunch.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Cranberry Nut Salad contains roughly 1147 calories, with 21g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 74g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (89% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), and protein (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1073mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If you're allergic to walnuts or prefer a different nut, pecans or almonds can be great substitutes. You could also use pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option that adds a nice crunch to the salad.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and consider adding more nuts or seeds for protein. You can also enhance the flavors with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without using any dairy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).