Broccoli Summer Salad
A vibrant and crunchy summer salad featuring fresh broccoli, cauliflower, shredded carrots, and mushrooms, tossed with a sweet and tangy dressing—perfect for picnics and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut broccoli and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces.
- Toss broccoli, cauliflower, shredded carrots, sliced mushrooms, sunflower seed kernels, and raisins together in a large bowl.
- Mix mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar together to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchy texture, consider adding sliced bell peppers or chopped celery. If you're looking for a lighter dressing, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. For a vegan version, swap the mayo with a plant-based alternative and use agave syrup instead of sugar. Experiment with different nuts or seeds for added flavor; pumpkin seeds can be an excellent substitute for sunflower seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this colorful salad as a refreshing side dish at summer barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or sandwiches. For a complete meal, consider adding some cooked quinoa or chickpeas. This salad also complements dishes like Golfer'S Stew(5 Hour Stew) for a hearty meal option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can become watery as it sits, so it's best to drain excess liquid before serving. This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the texture of the vegetables, but it will keep well for a quick lunch or snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Summer Salad contains roughly 322 calories, with 8g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (115% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 902mg per serving (39% 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
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this salad vegan, simply use a plant-based mayonnaise and replace the sugar with agave syrup or maple syrup. This way, you can enjoy a delicious and cruelty-free version of the Broccoli Summer 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).