Sweet And Sour Cold Broccoli Salad

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

A refreshing cold broccoli salad with sweet raisins, tangy vinegar, and crispy bacon, perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a light, flavorful side dish.

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Ingredients

  • 4 cups chopped broccoli
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup red onion
  • 8 slices cooked bacon
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 1/4 cup white sugar

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients well.
  2. Chill thoroughly before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a heartier salad, consider adding sunflower seeds or chopped nuts for extra crunch. If you prefer a sweeter salad, increase the amount of raisins or add diced apples. You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter option. Adjust the sugar based on your taste preference, especially if using sweeter raisins.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Sweet And Sour Cold Broccoli Salad as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with Pork Chops And Sauce or Easy And Elegant Ham. Consider adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for added flavor and presentation.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together over time, enhancing the taste. Avoid freezing this salad as the texture of the broccoli and other ingredients may not hold up well after thawing.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet And Sour Cold Broccoli Salad contains roughly 562 calories, with 6g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 469mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).

562 kcal 28% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.1g 12% DV
Total Fat 45.9g 59% DV
Carbs 35.7g 13% DV
Fiber 2.7g 10% DV
Sugar 29.3g 59% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 469.1mg 20% DV
Potassium 434.5mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 15.3mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 36.9mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 14.5mg 16% DV
Calcium 74.4mg 6% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Contains Egg

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 instead of fresh?

While fresh broccoli is recommended for texture and flavor, you can use thawed frozen broccoli. Just ensure it's well-drained and patted dry to avoid excess water in the salad. This will help maintain the salad's consistency and flavor.

How long should I chill the salad?

Chilling the salad for at least 1 hour is ideal to allow the flavors to meld together. For best results, prepare it a few hours in advance or even the night before to enjoy a fully developed flavor profile when serving.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep or gatherings. Just be sure to mix everything well and store it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, but the broccoli may soften slightly over time.

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).

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