Broccoli-Tossed Salad(A Refreshing Way To Use Broccoli)
A vibrant, crunchy broccoli salad coated in a tangy dressing, complemented by bacon, mushrooms, and eggs, perfect for a fresh, savory side dish or light meal.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 3 oz. cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. prepared mustard
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 3 stalks broccoli (about 6 cups), cut into bite-size pieces ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped onion ⓘ
- 6 to 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 2 hard-cooked eggs (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine vinegar, softened cream cheese, sugar, pepper, garlic salt, prepared mustard, egg, and vegetable oil in a blender until smooth.
- In a bowl, mix together chopped onion, cooked bacon, sliced mushrooms, and broccoli pieces.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and blend well to coat evenly.
- Before serving, top with sliced hard-cooked eggs.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese and reduce sugar to taste. You can also add nuts like walnuts or sunflower seeds for crunch. If you don't have fresh mushrooms, canned mushrooms will work in a pinch. Adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your taste, and consider adding a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Broccoli-Tossed Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish at gatherings or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or sandwiches, making it a great accompaniment to Mark'S Meatball And Gravy Recipe. For a complete meal, consider adding a protein like grilled chicken or tofu.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may soften slightly as it sits, so give it a good stir before serving. If you prefer, you can keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain the crispness of the broccoli and bacon.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Broccoli-Tossed Salad(A Refreshing Way To Use Broccoli) contains roughly 489 calories, with 9g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (66% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 577mg per serving (25% 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
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. However, for best texture, it’s recommended to mix the dressing and salad ingredients just before serving. If made too early, the broccoli may become soggy.
What can I substitute for bacon in this recipe?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can use smoked tempeh or crispy chickpeas for a similar crunch and flavor. Alternatively, omit bacon entirely and add extra veggies for a healthier twist.
Is it possible to add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or even peas for added color and nutrition. Just ensure to chop them into bite-sized pieces for even mixing.
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).