Broccoli Salad with Lighter Creamy Dressing
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
6 - 8 people
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Calories
290 kcal
Broccoli Salad with Lighter Creamy Dressing
Description
Broccoli Salad with Lighter Creamy Dressing combines raw broccoli florets sliced thinly with cooked bacon, dried cranberries, slivered almonds, and red onion. The dressing is made by whisking together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, milk, lemon juice, garlic, and dried herbs and spices. After tossing the salad in the dressing, it is chilled for a minimum of two hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld. The dressing tenderizes the broccoli slightly, making it tender crisp instead of raw and crunchy.
The flavor profile balances savory bacon and onion with the sweet dried cranberries and subtle tang from the lemon-infused creamy dressing. The almonds add a mild nutty crunch. The salad features contrasting textures from the tender but slightly firm broccoli to the soft dressing coating the ingredients.
This salad is suited to serve as a side dish with grilled meats or potlucks. Bringing it to room temperature before serving allows the flavors to come through fully. For those sensitive to raw broccoli’s crunch, the dressing softens it to enhance enjoyment.
The recipe notes suggest using quality mayonnaise for balanced flavor and recommend steaming broccoli as an alternative if raw is not desired. Allowing the salad to rest overnight brings the best textural and flavor harmony.
Ingredients
Broccoli Salad:
- 500 g/1 lb broccoli 2 large heads, 22cm/9" diameter, florets
- 150 g/5oz Bacon , chopped then cooked until golden
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries (or raisins, sultanas or blueberries)
- 1/2 cup almond slivered
- 1/2 red onion , finely sliced
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3/4 cup Greek yoghurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup / 65ml milk , low fat
- 1/4 cup / 65ml lemon juice (or cider vinegar)
- 2 garlic minced, cloves
- 1 tsp onion powder garlic powder, mustard powder, each
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp dill dried
- 1 tsp parsley dried
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper finely ground
Instructions
- Cut the florets into slices no thicker than 0.7 cm / 1/4" thick.
- Place in a bowl with remaining Salad ingredients.
- Mix Dressing well in a large bowl - use a whisk to ensure it's all well incorporated. It will be thin and pourable - see video for consistency.
- Pour all over Salad, toss well.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight (minimum 2 hours). Remove from fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Allow the salad to chill for at least 2 hours or overnight for optimal flavor melding and softened broccoli texture.
- If raw broccoli's crunch is not preferred, lightly steaming the florets before tossing can improve tenderness.
- Use a good quality mayonnaise like Hellman's or S&W to maintain balanced flavor in the dressing.
- Remove salad from the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving to enhance flavor delivery.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6- 8 people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 290 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 290cal | 15% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.