Hawaiian Broccoli Salad
A vibrant and sweet-savory salad combining crunchy broccoli, tropical pineapple, crispy bacon bits, and fresh onions, coated with a creamy dressing, perfect for potlucks and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the head of broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
- Drain the crushed pineapple, reserving the juice.
- Add the pineapple, bacon bits, and chopped spring onions or Vidalia onion to the broccoli.
- In a small bowl, mix the pineapple juice with mayonnaise or salad dressing to make the topping.
- Pour the dressing mixture over the salad and toss to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for crunch. You can substitute the bacon bits with crispy fried onions for a vegetarian option. If you prefer a lighter dressing, Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise. Adjust the dressing's consistency with more pineapple juice if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Hawaiian Broccoli Salad as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or potlucks. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed alongside dishes like Ham, Broccoli And Noodle Casserole. For an added twist, consider serving it with a light protein like grilled chicken or fish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The salad may become watery as the ingredients release moisture, so give it a good stir before serving. This salad is best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hawaiian Broccoli Salad contains roughly 169 calories, with 6g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value), protein (11% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. However, it's best to add the dressing right before serving to maintain the broccoli's crunch.
What can I use instead of bacon bits?
For a vegetarian version, you can use crispy fried onions or smoked tempeh. Both options will add a nice flavor without compromising the salad's texture.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Chopped red bell peppers or shredded carrots can add color and extra crunch. Just make sure to keep the balance of flavors so that the broccoli and pineapple remain the stars.
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).