Cranberry Broccoli Salad
Cranberry Broccoli Salad offers a vibrant mix of fresh cranberries, crunchy broccoli, and shredded cabbage, all coated in a sweet and tangy mayonnaise-based dressing. Perfect for gatherings or potlucks, its combination of tart, crunchy, and creamy flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser and a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, halved and slightly sugared ⓘ
- 2 cups broccoli florets ⓘ
- 4 cups shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1 small onion, finely minced ⓘ
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled ⓘ
- 1 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sugar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large glass bowl, combine cranberries, broccoli, cabbage, walnuts, raisins, onion, and bacon.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, and cider vinegar until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the cranberry mixture and toss well to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve on leafy lettuce.
Tips & Substitutions
For added texture, consider substituting pecans for walnuts or using a mix of dried fruits like dried cranberries or chopped apples. If you prefer a lighter dressing, Greek yogurt can replace some or all of the mayonnaise. Make sure to sugar the cranberries lightly as it balances their tartness.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect for potlucks or as a side dish at holiday meals. It pairs beautifully with Oven Baked Pork And Beans or Spiced Ham Rolls for a delightful contrast. Serving it on a bed of leafy lettuce not only enhances presentation but also adds a fresh crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can become soggy over time, so it's best enjoyed fresh. If needed, you can add a bit more mayonnaise or a splash of vinegar before serving to refresh the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Broccoli Salad contains roughly 578 calories, with 11g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. 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 ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld. However, it's best to add the bacon just before serving to maintain its crispiness.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette dressing. This will change the flavor slightly but will still complement the other ingredients well.
Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and replace it with toasted sunflower seeds or chickpeas for added protein and crunch. This keeps the salad hearty while making it suitable for vegetarians.
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).