Kimberly'S Broccoli & Grape Salad
A vibrant, crunchy salad combining fresh broccoli, sweet grapes, crispy bacon, and toasted almonds, all coated in a creamy, tangy dressing—perfect for gatherings or a healthy side dish.
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli, cut into bite size pieces ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups red grapes, cut in half ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups green grapes, cut in half ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 lb bacon, fried and crumbled ⓘ
- toasted almonds, slivered ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, roasted and salted, with no shells ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp vinegar ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, red grapes, green grapes, green onions, bacon, slivered almonds, and sunflower seeds.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and fruit mixture.
- Mix well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight to marinate before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider adding a bit of Greek yogurt to the mayonnaise. If you want to reduce calories, swap the bacon for turkey bacon or omit it entirely. You can substitute the almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor. This salad is great for potlucks or as a side dish for grilled meats, pairing beautifully with American recipes like Skillet Okra With Shrimp.
Serving Suggestions
This salad can be served as a refreshing side dish or a light lunch option. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, and can complement heartier dishes like Pork recipes. You can also enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread or alongside a bowl of soup, such as Easy Homemade Split Pea Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier. Avoid freezing as the texture of the broccoli and grapes can become mushy. For best results, serve chilled and give it a quick stir before serving again.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kimberly'S Broccoli & Grape Salad contains roughly 341 calories, with 7g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. 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, this salad benefits from marinating overnight in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to mix the dressing separately and add it right before serving if you prefer a fresher texture.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier option, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise. It will provide a similar creaminess with added protein. You can also use a vinaigrette for a lighter dressing.
Is it okay to add other fruits?
Absolutely! Adding diced apples or mandarin oranges can introduce additional sweetness and a fun twist. Just be mindful of the overall sweetness balance in the salad when mixing in extra fruits.
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).