Raisin Broccoli Salad
A crunchy, sweet-tart broccoli salad with raisins and sunflower seeds, perfect for light lunches, picnics, or as a nutritious side dish for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop broccoli flowerets and stems into bite-sized pieces.
- Add raisins, sunflower seeds, and purple onions to the chopped broccoli.
- Toss all ingredients together until well mixed.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate before serving for a chilled salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some crumbled feta or goat cheese. You can also substitute the sunflower seeds with chopped walnuts or almonds for a different texture. If you're short on time, pre-chopped broccoli can save you some prep work. This salad can also be made vegan by omitting cheese. For a twist, try adding diced apples to complement the raisins.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is a perfect side dish for grilled chicken or fish, making it an excellent addition to summer barbecues. It pairs beautifully with Easy Pumpkin Dip as a snack option. For a more filling meal, serve it over a bed of quinoa or mixed greens for a hearty lunch or dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be kept chilled for a quick snack or side dish. If it becomes too watery over time, simply stir in a little extra sunflower seeds or fresh broccoli to refresh it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Raisin Broccoli Salad contains roughly 388 calories, with 12g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 6g 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 use frozen broccoli for this salad?
While fresh broccoli is recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen broccoli if needed. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before mixing it into the salad to avoid a soggy texture.
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the broccoli and chop the onions in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Combine the ingredients and dress the salad just before serving to maintain freshness. This will help keep the salad crisp and flavorful without becoming soggy.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, this salad is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that any optional add-ins, like cheese, are omitted or replaced with a vegan alternative. This makes it a great choice for gatherings where guests may have dietary restrictions.
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).