Nutty Broccoli Salad
A crunchy, savory broccoli salad with bacon, nuts, and a sweet-tangy dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a healthy side dish for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped broccoli, chopped red onions, white raisins, salted sunflower seeds, and sliced almonds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, and red wine vinegar to make the dressing.
- Add the crumbled bacon to the salad.
- Gently toss the salad with the dressing until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added crunch, consider using roasted almonds instead of sliced or slivered ones. You can also experiment with different types of nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, depending on your preference. If you want a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. Chilling the salad for an hour before serving allows the flavors to meld nicely.
Serving Suggestions
This Nutty Broccoli Salad makes a fantastic side dish for grilled meats or sandwiches. It pairs beautifully with Cocktail Wieners And Meatballs for a party platter. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Trish'S Pork Chops or as part of a buffet spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the salad becomes too watery, you can drain excess dressing before serving. This salad is best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat; simply serve it chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nutty Broccoli Salad contains roughly 253 calories, with 5g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value), protein (11% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value).
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 the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to prevent the broccoli from becoming soggy. Toss everything together shortly before serving for the best texture.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute cooked and crumbled tempeh or smoked tofu for the bacon. For a similar flavor, try adding smoked paprika to the dressing.
Is there a way to make this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients. Just ensure that any packaged items like mayonnaise and sunflower seeds are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
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).