Fresh Broccoli-Mandarin Salad
A vibrant and crunchy broccoli-mandarin salad with toasted almonds, raisins, and a tangy homemade dressing, perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 egg yolk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cups fresh broccoli ⓘ
- 1/2 cup raisins ⓘ
- 2 cups fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 cup toasted almonds ⓘ
- 1/2 large red onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/4 cup tarragon wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup fresh cauliflower ⓘ
- 6 slices bacon ⓘ
Instructions
- In the top of a double boiler, whisk together the egg yolk, sugar, cornstarch, and dry mustard.
- Combine the vinegar and water in a separate bowl.
- Slowly pour the vinegar mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Place the double boiler over hot water and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and mayonnaise.
- Chill the dressing until cold.
- In a large bowl, toss the dressing with the broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, red onion, raisins, mandarin oranges, bacon, and toasted almonds.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter dressing, consider substituting Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. If you prefer a tangier flavor, a splash of lemon juice can enhance the dressing. You can also replace the toasted almonds with walnuts or pecans if desired. Make sure to chop the vegetables uniformly for even distribution in the salad.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, making it an ideal side for dishes like Pork Chops Al Maria. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a warm soup, such as Bean And Rice Soup. Garnish with extra toasted almonds for added crunch and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dressing can separate, so give it a good stir before serving. If you plan to serve it later, consider storing the dressing and salad components separately to maintain freshness and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Broccoli-Mandarin Salad contains roughly 775 calories, with 11g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and potassium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. It also contributes 8g 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 ingredients ahead of time, but it's best to mix them just before serving to maintain the freshness and crunch of the vegetables. The dressing can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until needed.
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 texture and flavor. For a non-vegetarian alternative, turkey bacon works well and has a lower fat content while still providing that savory taste.
Is there a way to make this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that any additional ingredients, like mayonnaise or mustard, are labeled gluten-free. Always check the labels to avoid cross-contamination if you're serving someone with gluten intolerance.
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).