Broccoli Salad
Fresh broccoli, crunchy textures, and a hint of tangy dressing come together in a healthy, refreshing salad!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, but fresh is preferred)
- 1/2 red onion, finely choptped
- 1/2 cup shredded Feta cheese
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds (or chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts)
- 1/2 cup bacon bits (cooked and crumbled, optional but adds great flavor)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (optional but adds a nice sweetness)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or sugar, depending on your preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for a tangy flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Wash and cut the broccoli into small florets.
2. You can blanch the broccoli first if you prefer it softer. To blanch, bring a pot of water to a boil, add the broccoli for about 2-3 minutes, then transfer it to ice water to cool.
3. Otherwise, you can leave it raw for a crunchy texture.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard (if using).
5. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, adjusting the sweetness or tanginess to your taste.
6. In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, chopped red onion, shredded cheese, sunflower seeds, bacon bits, and dried cranberries (if using).
7. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to combine until well-coated.
8. For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
9. Give the salad one final toss before serving.
10. Garnish with extra bacon bits or sunflower seeds if desired.
Additional Tips:
1. You can customize the salad by adding or omitting ingredients based on your preferences (e.g., adding diced apples for more sweetness or using Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter option).
Enjoy your Broccoli Salad!