Broccoli Salad: A Fresh and Easy No-Cook Delight

Broccoli salad is an incredibly refreshing dish that requires no cooking, making it perfect for a quick, healthy meal or side dish. The crisp crunch of fresh broccoli pairs beautifully with a creamy, tangy dressing, and it’s the mix-ins like dried cranberries, sharp cheddar cheese, and smoked almonds that make this salad extra special. The addition of crumbled bacon and red onion elevates the flavours, adding savoury and sweet notes in every bite. This salad is perfect for family gatherings, braais, or just a wholesome meal to enjoy any day of the week.

Ingredients for Broccoli Salad

For the Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Salad:

• 8 cups small broccoli florets (about 2-3 heads of broccoli)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup smoked almonds, chopped
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion

How to Make Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, start by whisking together mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar until smooth and well-blended. This forms the base of your dressing, providing the creamy texture that will coat the salad.

Once the mayo and vinegar are combined, stir in the granulated sugar and ground black pepper. The sugar adds a slight sweetness that balances the tang of the vinegar, while the black pepper gives the dressing a subtle kick. Whisk until everything is fully incorporated. Set the dressing aside while you prepare the salad ingredients.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

Begin by cutting the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. You want the pieces to be manageable and uniform so they mix evenly with the other ingredients. Add the broccoli florets to the bowl with the dressing, tossing them until they are well-coated. The broccoli absorbs the creamy dressing, making each bite flavourful and delicious.

Next, fold in the rest of the ingredients: dried cranberries, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, chopped smoked almonds, crumbled bacon, and chopped red onion. The contrast of textures and flavours—from the crunchy almonds to the chewy cranberries—makes every bite interesting and satisfying.

Step 3: Chill and Serve

For the best flavour, refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the dressing to meld with the broccoli and the other ingredients, making the salad taste even better. You can also refrigerate it for up to 3 days, making it an ideal make-ahead dish.

Serve chilled and enjoy this delightful, crunchy Broccoli Salad at your next meal.

Tips for the Perfect Broccoli Salad

• Make it your own: You can add or swap ingredients depending on your preferences. Try adding sunflower seeds, raisins, or even grapes for a different twist.
• Healthier version: For a lighter dressing, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yoghurt or use a low-fat mayonnaise option.
• Vegetarian option: Omit the bacon or replace it with a plant-based bacon alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version of this salad.

Enjoy the vibrant mix of flavours and textures in this easy Broccoli Salad that’s sure to become a go-to favourite. Perfect for any occasion, and best of all, it requires no cooking!