Broccoli Craisin Salad
Broccoli Craisin Salad is a vibrant, crunchy, and slightly sweet dish that brings together the fresh bite of broccoli, the chewy sweetness of craisins, and the nutty crunch of sunflower seeds. This salad is a perfect side for any meal, offering a balance of textures and flavors that make it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking to brighten up your lunch or add a refreshing touch to your dinner table, this Broccoli Craisin Salad is a delicious choice that’s simple to prepare and easy to customize.
What Sets This Recipe Apart
What makes this Broccoli Craisin Salad truly special is its delightful harmony of ingredients. The crispness of fresh broccoli florets contrasts beautifully with the soft, sweet craisins, while the sunflower seeds add a satisfying crunch. The dressing, made with creamy mayonnaise, tangy white balsamic vinegar, and just a hint of sweetness, ties everything together effortlessly. Using the green parts of scallions adds a mild onion flavor without overpowering the salad. Plus, opting for a vegan mayonnaise keeps the dish accessible to various dietary preferences without sacrificing taste or texture.
This salad stands out as a versatile and wholesome option, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or just a healthy snack. Its bright colors and fresh ingredients make it as visually appealing as it is tasty. You’ll find that this recipe is also adaptable—you can easily swap ingredients or modify the dressing to suit your personal taste or seasonal availability.
The Ingredient Lineup
- 3 pounds broccoli (about 4 heads, cut into small florets) – The star of the salad, providing crunch and vibrant green color.
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds – Adds a toasty, crunchy element that complements the soft textures.
- 1/2 cup craisins – Sweet dried cranberries that bring a chewy, fruity contrast.
- 8 scallions (green parts only, chopped into small rings) – Mild onion flavor with a fresh, bright taste.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use a vegan mayonnaise to keep it plant-based) – Creamy base for the dressing that binds everything together.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar – Adds tang and depth without overwhelming other flavors. (Gluten-free note: white balsamic vinegar is naturally gluten-free.)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (or your preferred sweetener, adjusted to taste) – Balances acidity and enhances the natural sweetness of the craisins.
Equipment Breakdown
- Large mixing bowl – To combine all the salad ingredients comfortably.
- Chef’s knife – For chopping broccoli florets and scallions precisely.
- Cutting board – A clean surface for prepping veggies.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure accurate ingredient portions.
- Small bowl or jar – For whisking together the dressing ingredients.
- Salad spoon or tongs – For mixing the salad evenly without bruising the broccoli.
Broccoli Craisin Salad: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Prep the Broccoli
Start by washing the broccoli heads thoroughly under cold water. Trim the thick stalks and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure every forkful has the perfect crunch.
Step 2: Chop the Scallions
Using just the green parts of the scallions, slice them into thin rings. These will add a gentle onion flavor and a pop of color to the salad without overpowering the other ingredients.
Step 3: Toast the Sunflower Seeds (Optional)
For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the sunflower seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Let them cool before adding to the salad.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the mayonnaise, white balsamic vinegar, and sugar until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tang as desired. Using vegan mayonnaise keeps this dressing smooth and inclusive for all preferences.
Step 5: Combine the Salad
In your large mixing bowl, add the broccoli florets, chopped scallions, craisins, and sunflower seeds. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece with the creamy dressing.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows flavors to meld and the broccoli to soften slightly while maintaining its crunch. Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside your favorite main dishes.
Fresh Takes Through the Year
- Add chopped apples or pears in the fall for a sweet, crisp addition that pairs beautifully with the tangy dressing.
- Mix in toasted pecans or walnuts instead of sunflower seeds to bring a richer, buttery crunch during winter months.
- In summer, toss in some fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a bright, herbaceous note.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle pomegranate seeds in winter or early spring to add bursts of juicy color and flavor.
Don’t Do This
- Don’t chop the broccoli too finely; keep florets bite-sized to maintain texture.
- Avoid adding the dressing too early if you plan to store the salad for more than a day, as it can cause the broccoli to become soggy.
- Don’t skip the scallions— their mild onion flavor is essential for balancing the sweetness.
- Don’t substitute white balsamic vinegar with a strong vinegar like red wine vinegar without adjusting the sugar, as it may overpower the salad.
Storage Pro Tips
This Broccoli Craisin Salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re preparing it ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss right before serving to preserve maximum freshness and crunch. Gently stir the salad again before serving to redistribute any dressing that may have settled. If the salad looks dry after refrigeration, a splash of additional white balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of mayonnaise can help revive it.
Reader Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli for this salad?
Fresh broccoli is best for this salad because it maintains a firm, crunchy texture. If you only have frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture, but be aware the texture might be softer.
Is there a way to make this salad nut-free?
Absolutely! This recipe uses sunflower seeds, which are seed-based and generally safe for those avoiding nuts. However, if seeds are a concern, you can substitute with toasted pumpkin seeds or omit seeds altogether.
What can I substitute for the white balsamic vinegar?
If you don’t have white balsamic vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar as milder alternatives. Adjust the sugar slightly to balance the acidity since these vinegars have different flavor profiles.
How can I add more protein to this salad?
To boost protein, consider adding cooked and cooled quinoa, chickpeas, or even grilled chicken slices. These additions complement the salad’s flavors well and make it more filling.
Keep Cooking
- Explore fresh vegetable sides like Roasted Garlic Green Beans Lemon Almond Crumbs for another crunchy, flavorful option.
- Try hearty grain salads such as Butternut Apple Farro Salad Maple Vinaigrette for a nutrient-packed meal addition.
- Looking for an easy party appetizer? The Cranberry Turkey Pinwheels With Herb Cream Cheese are a perfect complement to this fresh salad.
In Closing
This Broccoli Craisin Salad is a celebration of texture and flavor that elevates simple ingredients into a memorable dish. It’s easy to make, adaptable, and full of vibrant, fresh tastes that suit any season. Whether you’re serving it for weeknight dinners or sharing it at gatherings, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the crisp broccoli, sweet cranberries, and crunchy seeds melded with a creamy, tangy dressing that brings everything together harmoniously. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a staple for your table.
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Broccoli Craisin Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by washing the broccoli heads thoroughly under cold water. Trim the thick stalks and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure every forkful has the perfect crunch.
- Using just the green parts of the scallions, slice them into thin rings. These will add a gentle onion flavor and a pop of color to the salad without overpowering the other ingredients.
- For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the sunflower seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Let them cool before adding to the salad.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the mayonnaise, white balsamic vinegar, and sugar until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tang as desired.
- In your large mixing bowl, add the broccoli florets, chopped scallions, craisins, and sunflower seeds. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece with the creamy dressing.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows flavors to meld and the broccoli to soften slightly while maintaining its crunch. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Toast sunflower seeds for added depth and crunch.
- Keep broccoli florets bite-sized to maintain texture.
- Store dressing separately if preparing ahead to prevent sogginess.
- Customize by adding nuts, fresh herbs, or fruits seasonally.
- Use vegan mayonnaise for a plant-based version.
