Because of its versatility and ease of preparation, broccoli salad is one of my go-to salads for any occasion. This salad is a huge hit, and it always disappears quickly due to its irresistible combination of flavors, texture, and crunch. When I serve this salad to my family, I know they are getting a healthy dose of raw vegetables.
When I think of broccoli salad, I think of summertime barbecues and picnics. There will be a variety of salads, including broccoli, macaroni, and fruit salads, as well as baguettes with cheese. It’s fantastic since you can customize it to your tastes and the level of fancy you want to achieve by adding or removing components.
Making it the day before is fine. It’s great the first day, and even better the next. The first time I made it, I doubled the recipe and had it for dinner with grilled chicken. When serving it at a party, it’s best to make twice as much as usual because people will want seconds.
Are you in search of a quick and simple salad that won’t sacrifice flavor for health? Here, have some broccoli salad with cranberries and sunflower seeds. This salad is not only healthy because of the abundance of fiber, vitamins, and nutrients it contains, but it is also delicious.
Ingredients:
1 large broccoli head (5-6 cups)
a third of a cup of diced red onion
1/3 cup dried cranberries
One-half cup of salted, toasted sunflower seeds
Dressing
a quarter of a cup of mayonnaise
a quarter cup of sour cream
Two tablespoons of vinegar, either white or apple cider
white sugar, 1 tablespoon
Granulated Sea Salt with Cracked Black Pepper
Instructions:
Dressing
Mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, and sugar in a large bowl.
Make sure everything is well-combined by whisking.
Put in some black pepper and salt to taste. (I prefer a somewhat heavier hand with the black pepper.)
Salad
Broccoli should be chopped into bite-sized pieces and added to the bowl.
Sprinkle in some dried cranberries, roasted sunflower seeds, and red onion.
Mix well so that the dressing covers the ingredients.
Relax in the fridge for at least an hour and up to a whole day.
Why this recipe works:
This broccoli salad with sunflower seeds and cranberries is not only delicious but also nutritious. Here’s why:
Fiber, vitamins C and K, and potassium can all be found in abundance in broccoli. Both the calorie count and the antioxidant content are modest.
Healthy fats, protein, fiber, and minerals like magnesium and zinc can all be found in abundance in sunflower seeds. They’re a great source of crunch and complement the salad well.
Besides enhancing the salad’s flavor with their natural sugars and acids, dried cranberries are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise in salad dressings. It’s great for your digestive system because it’s loaded with protein, calcium, and probiotics.
Because of the acetic acid and natural probiotics it contains, apple cider vinegar has been demonstrated to aid in reducing body fat, stabilizing blood sugar, and promoting digestive wellness.
Honey not only sweetens the dressing but also contributes antioxidants and kills bacteria.
This broccoli salad with sunflower seeds and cranberries can be used as a side dish or as a part of a meal-prep. You may prepare a large quantity and have leftovers all week. Vegetables like carrots, celery, and cherry tomatoes can be added for variety.
In conclusion, this broccoli salad with sunflower seeds and cranberries is a wonderful dish for any occasion because it is delicious, healthful, and simple to prepare. Try it out, and then tell us what you think!
How about some alternative takes on this classic broccoli salad?
Add bacon bits, red onion, sliced almonds, or dried cherries or raisins in place of the cranberries for a different take on this broccoli salad.
How long can I expect this broccoli salad to keep in the fridge?
If stored properly (in an airtight container), this broccoli salad can keep for three to four days in the refrigerator.
Is it possible to create this broccoli salad in advance?
This broccoli salad can be prepared in advance and kept in the refrigerator until it is time to serve.
Can I use something else for the sunflower seeds?
Sunflower seeds can be substituted with chopped pecans or walnuts, or any other sort of nut you choose.
What if I don’t like mayonnaise-based dressing?
To answer your question, yes, you can use a different dressing, such as a vinaigrette or honey mustard, to meet your personal preferences.