Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Broccoli Salad is a crunchy and creamy recipe, which is made with fresh broccoli florets and crispy bacon. It’s the perfect side dish for any potluck or barbecue, ready in about 20 minutes plus chilling time.
Pioneer Woman Broccoli Salad Ingredients
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 3 Tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. ground black pepper
Salad
- 8 cups small broccoli florets
- 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 Pioneer Woman Broccoli Salad
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Stir in the sugar and black pepper until the sugar has dissolved.
- Combine the salad: Add the broccoli florets to the bowl with the dressing and stir until the broccoli is evenly coated.
- Add the mix-ins: Add the dried cranberries, shredded cheese, chopped almonds, crumbled bacon, and chopped red onion to the bowl. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Chill and serve: For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 days, before serving.
Recipe Tips
- How to make this ahead of time? This salad is perfect for making ahead. The flavor actually improves as it sits and the broccoli softens slightly in the dressing. You can make it up to a day in advance for the best texture.
- Can I use a different nut? Yes. If you don’t have smoked almonds, this salad is also delicious with toasted pecans, walnuts, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
- How to make it lighter? For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the mayonnaise with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt.
- Can I add other ingredients? Absolutely. A handful of raisins, some chopped cauliflower florets for extra crunch, or a diced apple would all be delicious additions.
What To Serve With Broccoli Salad
This is a classic side dish that is a staple at picnics, potlucks, and barbecues. It pairs perfectly with:
- Grilled chicken or steak
- Hamburgers and hot dogs
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Fried chicken
How To Store Broccoli Salad
- Refrigerate: Store the broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.
Broccoli Salad Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 12g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Do I need to cook the broccoli first?
No, this is a raw broccoli salad. The broccoli florets should be small and bite-sized. They will soften slightly as they marinate in the creamy dressing.
Why let the salad chill for at least an hour?
Chilling the salad is a crucial step that allows all the individual flavors from the dressing and the mix-ins to meld together. It also gives the raw broccoli time to marinate and become slightly more tender.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. While sharp cheddar is classic, you could also use a milder Colby, a Monterey Jack, or even small cubes of your favorite cheese instead of shredded.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Mexican Street Corn Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Ramen Noodle Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman 4th of July Zucchini Salad Recipe
Pioneer Woman Broccoli Salad Recipe
Description
A classic, creamy, and crunchy broccoli salad packed with bacon, cheese, cranberries, and almonds in a simple, sweet, and tangy dressing.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Add the broccoli florets and toss to coat completely.
- Stir in the cranberries, cheese, almonds, bacon, and red onion.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eThis salad is a perfect make-ahead side dish for a party or potluck, as the flavors get even better overnight.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor the best texture, make sure your broccoli florets are chopped into small, bite-sized pieces.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDon’t be afraid to customize this recipe with your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThe combination of sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy makes this an irresistible side dish.u003c/liu003e
