Broccoli Fruit Salad
A vibrant and crunchy broccoli fruit salad combining sweet grapes, raisins, water chestnuts, and bacon, all coated in a creamy, tangy mayonnaise-based dressing, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together mayonnaise, sugar, vinegar, and green onion. Let sit overnight to meld flavors.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Broccoli Fruit Salad, consider adding a splash of lemon juice for brightness or swapping out the raisins for dried cranberries for a tart twist. For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. If you're short on time, pre-cut broccoli florets can save you some prep work, but fresh is always best for texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli Fruit Salad makes a refreshing side dish for summer barbecues or potlucks. Pair it with grilled meats or serve it alongside a hearty bowl of Ham, Potato And Onion Soup for a balanced meal. Garnish with extra slivered almonds for added crunch and visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Broccoli Fruit Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days. The flavors may continue to meld, so give it a gentle stir before serving. Avoid freezing this salad, as the texture of the broccoli and grapes can become mushy once thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Fruit Salad contains roughly 775 calories, with 9g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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
Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned or dried?
Absolutely! Fresh fruits like apple slices or diced pineapple can add a wonderful crunch and natural sweetness to your Broccoli Fruit Salad. Just be sure to toss them in a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning and maintain their vibrant color.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make your Broccoli Fruit Salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. You can add additional nuts or seeds for crunch, or even include some chopped bell peppers for extra flavor. The dressing will still provide plenty of richness without the meat.
Is it necessary to let the dressing sit overnight?
While it's not strictly necessary, allowing the dressing to sit overnight really helps the flavors meld together, resulting in a more flavorful salad. If you're short on time, letting it sit for at least an hour can still yield good results.
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).