Classic Broccoli Salad

Classic Broccoli Salad is a staple at many summer backyard parties. This version has a simple dressing that’s a bit tangy but not too sweet plus all your favorite add-ins.

If you’re hosting a summer cookout, broccoli salad needs to be on your menu. All it takes is a little advance planning and some prep work.

If you can’t make Classic Broccoli Salad right now, Pin the recipe to make it later. 

What’s in Broccoli Salad?

Well, besides broccoli, you can add in a number of different ingredients suited to your tastes. My family loves dried cranberries in any kind of salad, such as my cranberry almond chicken salad. So I added some to this one.

Bermuda onions, also known as red or purple onions, have more of a bite than a sweet onion. If you prefer sweet onions, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, feel free to use those, though I’d save shallots for another recipe. I do love the color the red onion adds to the dish.

Cheddar cheese is my go-to for this salad. Sometimes I’ll use a white Cheddar if I have it but you could also use mozzarella or Swiss. If you’re adventurous try some feta or goat cheese.

Other add-ins include:

• Sunflower seed kernels
• Raisins instead of dried cranberries
• Almonds
• Pecans
• Walnuts
• Chopped bacon

How do I store broccoli salad?

I like to make this salad a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld. This salad needs to be stored, covered, in the refrigerator. You can keep broccoli salad in the refrigerator for up to 3 days but it probably won’t last that long!

All of the ingredients in broccoli salad can be frozen, however, if you want to freeze this dish, do so without the dressing. The dressing is easy enough to make that you can thaw the ingredients and then toss them together. Make sure whatever you freeze in is airtight. You don’t want ice crystals forming on anything.

Is Broccoli Salad cooked?

For this particular recipe, it is not cooked. My family happens to like raw broccoli but if your family does not, just blanch it. You want the broccoli to remain crisp.

Friday #BBQWeek Recipes

Appetizers and Drinks

• BBQ Deviled Eggs by The Spiffy Cookie
• Lemonade Margarita by Cheese Curd In Paradise
• Mojitos with Grilled Strawberries and Mint by Our Good Life

Side Dishes

• Caprese Salad by House of Nash Eats
• Classic Broccoli Salad by Family Around the Table
• Cowboy Caviar by Devour Dinner
• Grilled Peppers and Potatoes by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
• Wilted Mixed Green Salad with Bacon and Blue Cheese by Karen’s Kitchen Stories

Main Dishes

• Grilled Shrimp Skewers with Tropical Fruit Salsa by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Summer Steak Salad by Kate’s Recipe Box

Desserts

• Blueberry Coffee Cake by Sweet Beginnings
• Blueberry Ice Cream Recipe by SueBee Homemaker
• Copycat Dole Pineapple Whip by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Grilled Strawberry Shortcake by Blogghetti

Be sure to follow our Pinterest board for more summer BBQ ideas. Thank you to Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures and Ellen from Family Around the Table for hosting the event.

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Classic Broccoli Salad

Yield: 4 servings

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Ingredients

Dressing

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Salad

• 1 head broccoli, about 2 cups
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• ½ of a medium Bermuda onion, chopped

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine all dressing ingredients. Whisk together to combine and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Combine salad ingredients in a large bowl. Pour about ½ the dressing over the ingredients and toss to combine. Taste for seasoning and add more pepper if necessary. Combine well, cover, and refrigerate until serving.
3. Before serving, taste and decide if you need to add additional dressing.

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