Looking for a standout summer side dish? Try this flavorful and fresh Summer Broccoli Salad recipe! Packed with robust flavors, this dish is anything but ordinary. This salad has become a favorite in my household; even picky eaters find it delicious. It’s the best classic broccoli salad recipe with the perfect balance of cheddar, crisp raw broccoli florets, and a delicious dressing. Let’s dive into the details right now!
This recipe is: Low Carb and Gluten Free
Table of Contents
5 Reasons to Love This Recipe
I love making this light and easy broccoli salad due to several reasons. For example, this recipe is:
- Amazing salad to serve at a BBQ
- Brings bright and bold flavors
- Bacon and cheese!
- Simple to make!
- Make-ahead friendly!
- Delicious, crunchy texture!
Is Broccoli Salad Low Carb?
Yes, broccoli salad can be low carb, depending on how it’s prepared. Typically, broccoli itself is low in carbohydrates, making it a suitable choice for low-carb diets. However, the ingredients used to dress the salad can affect its carb content. I have made this recipe using low carb ingredients, so the total carb count is under 2.6g.
Check out my in-depth article on “Is Broccoli Low Carb” and make informed choices in your low carb journey.
Summer Broccoli Salad Ingredient List
To make this easy broccoli summer salad, you will need the following ingredients:
For the homemade Broccoli Salad Dressing
- ¾ cup Mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon monk fruit sweetener (or erythritol)
- 1 pinch salt
For the Broccoli Salad
- 1 head broccoli florets
- ¼ red onion, diced
- ½ cup shredded cheddar
- 10 cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have any of the above ingredients, try these alternatives:
- Erythritol: If you’re not concerned about keeping it low-carb, you can substitute it for 1 tablespoon of honey for sweetness.
- Apple cider vinegar: For a slightly tangy flavor profile, swap out apple cider vinegar for white or red wine vinegar.
- Cherry tomatoes: Instead of cherry tomatoes, dice up 1.5 regular tomatoes for a similar freshness and acidity.
- Red onion: Use 1 shallot instead of red onion for a mild, slightly sweet flavor that beautifully complements the other ingredients.
Additional Ingredients
Now, let’s take this sunny broccoli salad to the next level with these enticing ingredient suggestions:
- Crunchy options: For an extra crunch and depth of flavor, add pepitas (pumpkin seeds), sunflower seeds, or crushed pistachios to the salad.
- Spicy kick: If you’re craving some heat, toss in ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a spicy addition.
- Feta or goat cheese: Crumbled feta or tangy goat cheese is a delicious alternative to sharp cheddar cheese, adding flavor to every bite.
- Lemon zest: Brighten up the flavors with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest, adding a zesty kick and refreshing citrus aroma.
- Fresh herbs: Chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill can elevate the salad with vibrant colors and aromatic flavors.
Note: Additional ingredients are just there to improve the flavor; they are not part of the original recipe.
Cooking Tools Required
You’ll need the following cooking tools to make the summer broccoli salad:
How to Make Summer Broccoli Salad: Complete Cooking Guide
Cooking Methods
- No cook recipe
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the ingredients and tools.
- Wash the veggies.
- Dice the onions.
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Combine all the salad ingredients in a larger-sized mixing bowl.
- Spoon the dressing over the top of the broccoli salad ingredients.
- Mix well with a wooden spoon or a spatula.
- Transfer to a serving dish and serve chilled!
Step 1: Add all the ingredients to a large enough bowl.
Step 2: Gently mix together until well incorporated. Enjoy cold!
💡 My Pro Tip
Here’s a tip straight from my kitchen: don’t toss out that broccoli stalk! It might not seem like much, but trust me, it’s a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Instead of letting it go to waste, grab a julienne peeler and transform it into thin strips. This step adds some extra volume to your dish and brings a unique texture that’ll take your broccoli game up a notch. Give it a shot and see how it adds that special touch to your salad!
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Pre-cook bacon in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Use pre-shredded cheddar cheese to save time on grating.
- Wash and chop all vegetables the day before to streamline the cooking process.
- Cook and crumble bacon ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prepare the homemade dressing a few hours ahead and refrigerate until needed. Keep the dressing and vegetables in separate containers.
What to Serve With Summer Broccoli Salad?
This broccoli salad is incredibly refreshing and satisfying, but I also enjoy pairing it with various foods. Here are some of my favorites:
- Grilled Pork Chops: Juicy and flavorful, these pork chops add a smoky flavor to your meals when paired with this fresh summer salad.
- Grilled Beer Can Chicken: Tender and succulent, this dish pairs beautifully with the broccoli salad flavors.
- Chipotle Chicken: Spicy and smoky chipotle chicken adds a kick of flavor that complements the refreshing taste of this cold broccoli salad for a deliciously balanced meal.
- Porterhouse Steak: Rich and tender, a perfectly grilled porterhouse steak pairs wonderfully with the vibrant, crunchy broccoli salad, creating a satisfying feast for the senses.
- Pork Burgers: Savory and satisfying pork burgers offer a hearty protein option that pairs seamlessly with the fresh broccoli salad.
Storage Instructions
- Store the salad in the fridge for up to 2 days. Also, prepare the additional dressing and keep it in a separate container.
- When you take the broccoli salad from the fridge, drain excess liquid, and add an additional dressing to it.
Note: This cold salad recipe does not require any reheating.
Recipe Conclusion
This Summer Broccoli Salad is a refreshing side dish that will dazzle your taste buds with its crispiness, creaminess, and downright deliciousness. Whether you enjoy it solo or pair it with your favorite side dishes, this salad is sure to steal the show at any summer gathering. So grab a fork and dive into a bowl full of summer vibes!
Have any questions or suggestions? Leave a comment below, and don’t forget to rate this recipe! You can also find us on Facebook or Instagram.
Loved this salad? I have plenty of delicious salad recipes you will enjoy as a perfect side dish:
FAQs
Yes, broccoli salad can be made gluten-free using the right ingredients. This recipe is 100% gluten-free and low-carb.
Broccoli salad can become watery if the dressing is mixed with the vegetables too far in advance, causing the salt in the dressing to draw moisture from the broccoli. To prevent this, keep the dressing separate until just before serving.
To cut broccoli for salad, trim the fresh broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces and discard the tough stems. You can also peel and julienne the broccoli stalks for added crunch and flavor.
Yes, you can make broccoli salad ahead of time. However, to prevent it from becoming watery, it’s best to store the dressing separately and mix it with the salad just before serving.
Fresh Broccoli Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the homemade Broccoli Salad Dressing
- ¾ cup Mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon monk fruit sweetener or erythritol
- 1 pinch salt
For the Broccoli Salad
- 1 head broccoli florets
- ¼ red onion diced
- ½ cup shredded cheddar
- 10 cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the ingredients and tools.
- Wash the veggies.
- Dice the onions.
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Combine all the salad ingredients in a larger-sized mixing bowl.
- Spoon the dressing over the top of the broccoli salad ingredients.
- Mix well with a wooden spoon or a spatula.
- Transfer to a serving dish and serve chilled!
Notes
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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