Ruby'S Broccoli Salad
A vibrant broccoli salad with hard-boiled eggs, olives, and a tangy mayonnaise dressing, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick, nutritious side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut broccoli into bite-sized pieces, including the stalk (peel if tough).
- Blanch or steam the broccoli until just tender; drain and cool.
- Chop the onion finely.
- Mix the cooled broccoli, chopped onion, sliced olives, chopped hard-boiled eggs, sugar or sweetener, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Stir in mayonnaise until well combined.
- Chill in the refrigerator if desired before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Ruby's Broccoli Salad, consider adding diced bell peppers or sunflower seeds for crunch. If you're looking for a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. You can also use different types of olives, like Kalamata, for extra richness. Adjust the sweetness with honey or agave syrup instead of sugar for a natural touch.
Serving Suggestions
Ruby's Broccoli Salad is a delightful side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian spread. Serve it alongside dishes like Scotch Christmas Cookies or Creamy Ginger Dressing for a festive meal. For a complete lunch, consider adding a slice of whole grain bread or a light soup to the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop over time, making it even tastier. If the salad becomes too watery, you can drain excess liquid before serving. For best results, avoid reheating as it is best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ruby'S Broccoli Salad contains roughly 91 calories, with 1g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2028mg per serving (88% 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 Ruby's Broccoli Salad a day in advance. Just mix all the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together nicely, but add the mayonnaise just before serving to keep the salad fresh and creamy.
What can I substitute for hard-boiled eggs?
If you want to make a vegan version of this salad, you can substitute hard-boiled eggs with diced avocado or cooked chickpeas for added creaminess and protein. This will keep the salad hearty while catering to different dietary preferences.
Is this salad suitable for a potluck?
Absolutely! Ruby's Broccoli Salad is perfect for potlucks as it's easy to transport and can be made in large batches. Its vibrant colors and flavor profile will surely impress guests, making it a great addition to any gathering or buffet.
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).