Frederic Melton
Broccoli salad is a simple, classic dish that can be served as a side at parties or potlucks. The base of the salad is made from fresh broccoli, which is often parboiled for a short time to retain its crispiness, and other ingredients such as bacon, cheese, and onion. The salad is then tossed in a creamy, sweet and tangy dressing, often made from mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar. Some variations of the recipe include dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and black olives.
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What You'll Learn
Broccoli, cheddar cheese, and bacon are the main ingredients
The broccoli is typically blanched or parboiled before being chopped and combined with the other ingredients. This process helps to retain the vibrant green colour and texture of the broccoli, ensuring it is crispy but not too raw. The bacon is cooked until crisp and then crumbled, adding a savoury and salty element to the dish.
The cheddar cheese is an important component, providing a sharp and tangy flavour. It is recommended to use thick shreds of extra sharp cheddar or cut the cheese into small cubes for a more substantial bite. The cheese is combined with the broccoli and bacon, along with other mix-ins such as onions, dried cranberries or raisins, and sunflower seeds.
The dressing is a simple combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. This creamy dressing brings all the ingredients together, creating a harmonious blend of flavours. The salad is typically chilled before serving, allowing the flavours to meld and intensify.
The broccoli salad with cheddar cheese and bacon is a crowd-pleaser, often requested at family gatherings and potlucks. It offers a delightful contrast of flavours and textures, making it a refreshing and indulgent treat for any occasion.
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Sweet and tangy dressing
A sweet and tangy dressing is the perfect complement to a broccoli salad. This type of dressing is typically made with a combination of mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar, creating a creamy texture and a balanced flavour profile. The sweetness of the sugar and the tanginess of the vinegar come together to form a delightful contrast that enhances the overall taste of the salad.
While the specific ingredients and proportions may vary, a standard recipe for a sweet and tangy dressing might include:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjustable based on taste)
- 2-3 tablespoons vinegar (such as apple cider vinegar)
These ingredients are simply whisked together in a small bowl until smooth and well-combined. The dressing can then be poured over the broccoli salad and tossed to coat all the ingredients evenly.
To customise this dressing, you can consider adding other ingredients such as sour cream, mustard, maple syrup, garlic, or even a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavours. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, to find the one that best suits your taste preferences.
It is worth noting that the dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavours to meld and develop, resulting in an even more delicious dressing when you're ready to dress your salad. However, it is essential to give the dressing a good stir or whisk before using it, as the ingredients may separate slightly during storage.
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Dried cranberries add sweetness
Broccoli salad is a delicious and indulgent side dish that is often served at parties, potlucks, and family gatherings. While there are many variations of the recipe, a common ingredient in broccoli salad is dried cranberries, which add a touch of sweetness to the dish.
The dried cranberries are typically soaked in hot water or fruit juice to plump them up and enhance their flavour before being added to the salad. This step is optional but is recommended by some chefs. The cranberries provide a contrast to the savoury ingredients in the salad, such as bacon, onion, and cheddar cheese.
The combination of sweet and savoury flavours is what makes broccoli salad so appealing to many people. The cranberries, along with other sweet elements like sugar and raisins, balance out the saltiness of the bacon and the sharpness of the cheese. This creates a complex and intriguing flavour profile that keeps people coming back for more.
In addition to the dried cranberries, the dressing used in broccoli salad also contributes to its sweetness. The dressing is typically made with mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar, resulting in a sweet and tangy flavour that complements the other ingredients in the salad. Some people also add in sunflower seeds, black olives, grape tomatoes, and cucumber for added texture and flavour.
Overall, the dried cranberries play an essential role in the taste and success of broccoli salad. They add a burst of sweetness that contrasts and enhances the other flavours in the dish, making it a well-loved and popular choice for gatherings and special events.
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Best served chilled
Broccoli salad is a versatile dish that can be served as a refreshing side at any gathering, from a summer picnic to a holiday dinner. While there are many variations of the recipe, most include bacon, cheese, and a creamy dressing. Some recipes call for the addition of dried cranberries or raisins, which add a touch of sweetness to the salad.
When preparing a broccoli salad, it is essential to consider the texture and colour of the broccoli. Some recipes recommend parboiling or blanching the broccoli for a brighter green colour and a slightly softer texture. To achieve this, the broccoli heads are dunked in boiling water for a brief period, usually no more than 10 seconds, and then immediately plunged into ice water to halt the cooking process. This technique helps retain the crispness of the broccoli while enhancing its visual appeal.
The cheese in a broccoli salad is typically cheddar, and the thicker the shred, the better. It is recommended to use sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese and avoid the finely shredded variety. Purchasing a block of cheese and shredding it yourself can result in a superior texture. Alternatively, cutting the cheese into small cubes can also work well.
The dressing plays a crucial role in tying all the flavours together. Most recipes call for a combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can be used in place of plain white vinegar to add a subtle tanginess to the dressing. The sugar adds a hint of sweetness, but it is essential not to overdo it, as some prefer their broccoli salad with less sugar or none at all.
To serve broccoli salad chilled, it is recommended to refrigerate it for at least one hour before serving. This allows the flavours to meld and enhances the overall taste experience. However, it is important to give the salad a final toss before serving to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and coated in the dressing.
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A simple, indulgent side dish
Broccoli salad is a simple, indulgent side dish that can be prepared in under 15 minutes. It is a great option for a potluck or party and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The combination of broccoli, cheese, and bacon, along with a sweet and tangy dressing, makes for a delicious and refreshing flavour profile.
To make broccoli salad, start by preparing the broccoli. Some recipes suggest parboiling or blanching the broccoli for a brighter colour and improved texture. To do this, dunk the broccoli heads in boiling water for about 10 seconds, then immediately plunge them into ice water. Drain the water and cut the broccoli into florets. You can also use pre-cut broccoli florets to save time.
In a large bowl, combine the broccoli with the remaining ingredients: crispy bacon, red onion, cheddar cheese, dried cranberries or raisins, and sunflower seeds. You can also add in other mix-ins like black olives, grape tomatoes, cucumber, or pasta. When buying cheese for your broccoli salad, opt for thick shreds of sharp or extra-sharp cheddar. You can shred a block of cheese yourself or cut it into small cubes.
In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier option. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until well combined.
For the best flavour, refrigerate the broccoli salad for at least one hour before serving. Be sure to toss the salad again before serving. This simple, indulgent side dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
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Frequently asked questions
Broccoli salad is a combination of broccoli, bacon, cranberries, and cheese with a creamy dressing. It is a great fast side dish for any party or potluck.
Broccoli salad typically uses cheddar cheese. It is recommended to buy sharp or extra sharp cheddar and avoid the finely shredded variety.
In addition to broccoli, bacon, and cheese, you can add cranberries, sunflower seeds, onion, and raisins. You can also include other mix-ins such as black olives, grape tomatoes, cucumber, and pasta.
The dressing for broccoli salad is typically made by whisking together mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar. You can use regular mayonnaise or Miracle Whip, and old-fashioned white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
