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Broccoli Salad with Red Grapes, Carrots, and Sunflower Seeds Recipe


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4 from 73 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Broccoli Salad recipe is a delicious and nutritious option for healthy eating, featuring fresh broccoli florets combined with shredded carrots, sweet red grapes, and crunchy sunflower seeds, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sugar. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or a light meal, this salad is easy to prepare and packed with vibrant flavors and textures.


Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Fruits

  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup red grapes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

Seeds and Meat

  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)

Dressing

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Broccoli: Wash the broccoli thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or pesticides. Using a sharp knife, cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
  2. Prepare Carrots: Peel the carrots and shred them using a box grater or a food processor.
  3. Prepare Onion: Finely chop the red onion. If the flavor is too strong, soak the onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow its pungency.
  4. Prepare Grapes: Wash the red grapes and slice them in half. Set them aside.
  5. Make Dressing: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, shredded carrots, halved grapes, and chopped red onion. If desired, add crumbled cooked bacon to the mixture.
  7. Add Dressing: Pour the dressing over the vegetable and fruit mixture.
  8. Toss Salad: Gently toss all ingredients together until evenly coated with the dressing.
  9. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
  10. Chill: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad into an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  11. Serve: Transfer the chilled salad to a large serving bowl or individual plates. For extra crunch, sprinkle sunflower seeds on top just before serving.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian option, omit the cooked bacon.
  • Soaking red onion in cold water reduces its sharpness and makes the flavor milder.
  • Chilling the salad before serving enhances the flavors and texture.
  • Sunflower seeds add a delightful crunch but can be omitted if there are nut allergies.
  • You can substitute mayonnaise with a light or vegan mayo for a healthier or vegan-friendly version.
  • Adjust sugar quantity based on your sweetness preference.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American