Chilled Broccoli Salad
A refreshing chilled broccoli salad with crispy bacon, sweet raisins, and a creamy lemon mayonnaise dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light summer lunches.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend together mayonnaise, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Mix together broccoli, bacon, raisins, and chopped onion in a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours or overnight to chill.
- Serve cold.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also substitute the raisins with dried cranberries for a different flavor. If fresh broccoli isn't available, frozen broccoli can work; just ensure it's thawed and drained. Adding sunflower seeds or chopped nuts can enhance the crunch, making this salad even more delightful. This chilled broccoli salad is great for summer gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
This chilled broccoli salad is a perfect side dish for summer barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, such as chicken or Pork Chops And Onion Rice. For a complete meal, serve it alongside Baked Hamburger Steak. Consider garnishing with extra crumbled bacon or chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together as it sits, making the salad even tastier. Avoid reheating, as this dish is best enjoyed cold. If the salad appears dry after storage, simply add a splash of lemon juice or a dollop of mayonnaise before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chilled Broccoli Salad contains roughly 335 calories, with 6g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value), protein (11% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is ideal for making ahead, as refrigerating it for several hours or overnight allows the flavors to develop. Just be sure to keep it stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve it.
Is there a vegan option for this salad?
Yes, you can make a vegan version of this salad by replacing mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative, such as vegan mayo or mashed avocado. Ensure the bacon is substituted with a vegan bacon or omit it altogether while adding more vegetables or nuts for texture.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
To elevate the flavor, consider adding ingredients like diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even some sharp cheddar cheese. A sprinkle of sunflower seeds or walnuts can also provide an enjoyable crunch and additional nutrients, making this salad even more satisfying.
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).