Welcome to FoodieFront, where you can find the tastiest dishes and the most creative culinary ideas! With our recipe for Broccoli Salad With Raisins, we’re taking a look at the world of nutritious and delectable salads today. This salad is a wonderful side dish for any dinner or a wonderful stand-alone dish because it is bursting with brilliant colors, rich flavors, and healthy deliciousness. Let’s get going!
INGREDIENTS
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, washed and chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for added creaminess)
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (you can also use Greek yogurt for a healthier twist)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
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Prepare the Broccoli: The first step in preparing the broccoli is to carefully wash and slice the florets into bite-sized pieces. For extra texture, you can utilize the florets as well as a small portion of the delicate stalk.
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Blanch the Broccoli: To blanch the broccoli, add it to a pot of boiling water. Put a dash of salt in. Broccoli florets should be carefully added to the boiling water and blanched for 2 minutes or until bright green and just beginning to soften. To keep that delicious crunch, avoid overcooking. Once the broccoli has been blanched, immediately place it in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and pat yourself dry.
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Get the dressing ready: Mix the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. You can adjust the honey and seasoning to your own flavor. Your salad will get a tangy and sweet kick from this creamy dressing.
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Combine the Ingredients: Place the blanched broccoli, raisins, finely sliced red onion, sunflower seeds, and crumbled feta cheese (if using) in a large salad serving bowl. This combination of flavors and textures will make your tongue sing.
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Drizzle and Toss: Pour the salad dressing over the items, then toss to combine. Toss everything together gently so each item is equally coated with the dressing. In order to preserve the broccoli florets, take care not to be too harsh.
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Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad bowl for at least 30 minutes before serving. Then, cover it with plastic wrap or a lid. This provides the salad a pleasant coolness and enables the flavors to merge together elegantly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Give the salad one last toss once it has cold, then serve it on individual plates or as a side dish. Your taste buds will be delighted by the combination of soft broccoli, sweet raisins, crunchy sunflower seeds, and the creamy dressing, which will give you a delicious, nourishing experience.
Broccoli Salad With Raisins
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Salad serving bowl
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, washed and chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for added creaminess)
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (you can also use Greek yogurt for a healthier twist)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: The first step in preparing the broccoli is to carefully wash and slice the florets into bite-sized pieces. For extra texture, you can utilize the florets as well as a small portion of the delicate stalk.
- Blanch the Broccoli: To blanch the broccoli, add it to a pot of boiling water. Put a dash of salt in. Broccoli florets should be carefully added to the boiling water and blanched for 2 minutes or until bright green and just beginning to soften. To keep that delicious crunch, avoid overcooking. Once the broccoli has been blanched, immediately place it in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain and pat yourself dry.
- Get the dressing ready: Mix the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. You can adjust the honey and seasoning to your own flavor. Your salad will get a tangy and sweet kick from this creamy dressing.
- Combine the Ingredients: Place the blanched broccoli, raisins, finely sliced red onion, sunflower seeds, and crumbled feta cheese (if using) in a large salad serving bowl. This combination of flavors and textures will make your tongue sing.
- Drizzle and Toss: Pour the salad dressing over the items, then toss to combine. Toss everything together gently so each item is equally coated with the dressing. In order to preserve the broccoli florets, take care not to be too harsh.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad bowl for at least 30 minutes before serving. Then, cover it with plastic wrap or a lid. This provides the salad a pleasant coolness and enables the flavors to merge together elegantly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Give the salad one last toss once it has cold, then serve it on individual plates or as a side dish. Your taste buds will be delighted by the combination of soft broccoli, sweet raisins, crunchy sunflower seeds, and the creamy dressing, which will give you a delicious, nourishing experience.
Video
Nutrition Fact –
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: Approximately 210-250 calories
- Total Fat: 10-15g
- Saturated Fat: 2-4g
- Cholesterol: 5-15mg (if using feta cheese)
- Sodium: 250-350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28-35g
- Dietary Fiber: 3-5g
- Sugars: 20-25g
- Protein: 4-6g
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors can even be improved when they melt together if the salad is prepared a few hours in advance or even the night before. Keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve, just remember.
2. Can I substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise?
Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise as a healthier option. Without sacrificing flavor, it will give the dressing a tangy and creamy component.
3. Is feta cheese necessary, or can I leave it out?
Feta cheese is optional but gives a lovely richness and tangy flavor. You can omit it and still enjoy a delectable salad if you want a dairy-free or lower-calorie option.
4. Can I use different nuts or seeds in this salad?
Yes, of course! Sunflower seeds offer a satisfying crunch, but for variety, get inventive and try pumpkin, almond, or walnut seeds. Just be aware that the taste and texture can be slightly altered.
5. How long can I store leftovers in the refrigerator?
For up to two to three days, leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container. For maximum freshness, the salad should be consumed within the first day or two.
6. Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Absolutely! This dish can be altered by adding additional veggies, such as grated carrots, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers, for more color and nutrition.
7. Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can easily convert this salad to a vegan diet by omitting the feta cheese and replacing the mayonnaise with a plant-based yogurt (such as coconut or almond yogurt). If you want to create a fully vegan version, be sure to select a substitution for the honey.8. Can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?
Absolutely! You can modify the amount of honey in the dressing to suit your preferences. Once you get the appropriate level of sweetness, gradually add more starting with a lesser quantity.
9. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
For the finest flavor and texture, broccoli should be consumed fresh. Although you could use frozen broccoli, be careful that after blanching and thawing it might have a slightly different texture.
10. Is this salad suitable for special diets?
By changing up the ingredients, this salad can be made to fit a variety of dietary restrictions. Verify the ingredients are gluten-free by checking their certification. You can cut back on or omit the honey for low-carb diets. Always double-check the precise nutritional specifications you’re after.
