Creamy Broccoli-Raisin Salad
A creamy, crunchy broccoli salad with raisins, bacon, and a tangy dressing, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove broccoli leaves and cut off tough ends of stalks; discard.
- Wash broccoli thoroughly and cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
- Combine broccoli, raisins, onion, and half of the bacon; toss gently. Set aside.
- Combine cream cheese, sugar, vinegar, vegetable oil, mustard, and minced garlic in a blender or food processor; process until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture, stirring well to coat.
- Chill the salad for 3 hours.
- Sprinkle with the remaining bacon before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of Greek yogurt to the dressing. You can substitute the raisins with dried cranberries for a tart twist, or use a different nut like walnuts for added crunch. If you prefer a lighter dressing, use low-fat cream cheese. Also, make sure to chop the broccoli into uniform pieces for consistent flavor in every bite.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy broccoli-raisin salad is a perfect side dish for summer barbecues or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats and is a delightful addition to any picnic spread. You might also consider serving it alongside dishes like Very Easy Casserole or Rancho Casserole for a well-rounded meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, but be mindful that the broccoli may lose some crunch. If you're planning to reheat, do so gently in the microwave to prevent the broccoli from becoming soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Broccoli-Raisin Salad contains roughly 260 calories, with 11g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (119% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. It also contributes 4g 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 this salad up to a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and add the remaining bacon just before serving to maintain its crispiness. The flavors will meld nicely, making it even more delicious when served after chilling.
What can I substitute for the cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. This will give you a similar creaminess while reducing the calorie content.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! To make this salad vegan, substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese or cashew cream. You can also omit the bacon or use a plant-based bacon alternative for that smoky flavor without the meat.
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).