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Creamy Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and Almonds
Introduction
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This creamy broccoli salad is a perfect blend of crunchy, sweet, and savory flavors. Packed with fresh broccoli florets, dried cranberries, toasted almonds, and a tangy dressing, it’s a great side dish for gatherings or even as a light lunch.
Ingredients
To prepare this delicious salad, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey (or sugar, as preferred)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash and Chop Broccoli: Rinse the broccoli thoroughly and chop it into small, bite-sized florets.
- Toast the Almonds: In a dry skillet, toast the sliced almonds over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Set them aside to cool.
- Dice the Onion: Finely chop the red onion into small pieces.
- Cook the Bacon (if using): Fry the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey (or sugar).
- Whisk the ingredients together until smooth.
- Season the dressing with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Adjust to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, cranberries, toasted almonds, red onion, and crumbled bacon (if using).
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss the salad until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the salad chilled as a side dish or enjoy it on its own!
Tips for Customization
- Add Cheese: Toss in some shredded cheddar cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make It Vegan: Use vegan mayo and skip the bacon to make this salad plant-based.
- Try Other Nuts: Substitute the almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different crunch.
This creamy broccoli salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. Whether for a picnic, potluck, or a family dinner, it’s sure to become a favorite on your menu!
For more details, visit the full recipe