Broccoli Orange Salad
A vibrant and crunchy salad featuring fresh broccoli florets, sweet mandarin oranges, and toasted pecans, all coated in a creamy, slightly sweet dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish, it offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine broccoli florets, thinly sliced purple onion, raisins, and pecan pieces in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sugar, and white vinegar until well combined.
- Add the mayonnaise mixture to the broccoli mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Gently stir in the drained mandarin oranges.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider adding sunflower seeds or swapping out pecans for sliced almonds. If you want a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also substitute the raisins with dried cranberries for a different flavor profile. To enhance the salad's sweetness, a touch of honey can replace sugar.
Serving Suggestions
This Broccoli Orange Salad pairs beautifully with Tender Barbecue Ribs for a hearty meal. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or as a refreshing side for a summer picnic. For a complete lunch, consider adding some sliced turkey or chicken and serving it on a bed of greens.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, avoid mixing in the mandarin oranges until just before serving. If the salad becomes too thick, add a splash of vinegar or orange juice to loosen it up before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Orange Salad contains roughly 415 calories, with 6g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. It also contributes 10g 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 make this salad in advance?
Yes, this salad can be made a day ahead of time. Just be sure to cover it well and refrigerate. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, but add the mandarin oranges right before serving to keep them intact.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! This salad is already vegetarian. For a vegan version, substitute the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup instead of sugar for sweetness.
What can I use instead of raisins?
You can easily substitute raisins with dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even diced fresh apples for added crunch and sweetness. Each alternative will bring its unique flavor to the salad.
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).