Broccoli Toss
A vibrant broccoli salad tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing with crispy bacon, sweet raisins, and a hint of mustard, perfect for gatherings and casual meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the cream cheese, vinegar, sugar, mustard, pepper, garlic powder, egg, and oil in a blender until smooth.
- Combine chopped broccoli, yellow raisins, crumbled bacon, and chopped onion in a large bowl.
- Add the dressing to the broccoli mixture just before serving and toss to coat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider using mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese. You can also replace yellow raisins with dried cranberries for a tart twist. To enhance the flavor, add chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for crunch. Adjust the sweetness by varying the sugar amount based on your taste preference, or try honey as a natural sweetener.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Broccoli Toss chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish for grilled meats or alongside a light salad. It pairs beautifully with Pork Loin With Jezebel Sauce or can be enjoyed as a stand-alone dish. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with a slice of crusty bread or alongside baked potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Broccoli Toss in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Be cautious not to overheat, as the dressing can separate.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli Toss contains roughly 802 calories, with 19g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. It also contributes 11g 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 the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick blend or stir before mixing it with the broccoli to ensure a smooth consistency. This can save time when you're ready to serve the dish.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can omit the crumbled bacon and substitute it with crispy chickpeas or toasted seeds for added texture. This will make the dish vegetarian-friendly while still being delicious and satisfying.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the dish. Steaming the frozen broccoli briefly can help retain its color and nutrients before mixing it with the other ingredients.
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).