If you’re looking for a festive and healthy addition to your holiday table, this Broccoli Cranberry Salad is the perfect choice. It’s a delightful blend of crunchy broccoli, sweet cranberries, and a hint of creaminess, making it an ideal side dish for any Thanksgiving menu or Christmas celebration.
This Cranberry Broccoli Salad not only provides a burst of color to your plate but also packs a nutritional punch, keeping the calorie count under 250. It’s one of those Broccoli Cranberry Salad Recipes that you can whip up quickly and make ahead, ensuring you have one less thing to worry about as you prepare for your festive gatherings.
Whether you’re serving it at a traditional Thanksgiving menu or a Christmas feast, this salad is sure to become a favorite. Its refreshing taste and crunchy texture will complement any main dish.
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A Perfect Side Dish for Your Holiday Table
This vibrant Broccoli Cranberry Salad is a wonderful addition to any festive gathering. Filled with fresh broccoli florets and sweet red cranberries, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that can elevate your holiday meals.
Its creamy dressing ties the ingredients together, creating a dish that is both satisfying and visually appealing. Whether you’re planning a traditional Thanksgiving menu or exploring new Christmas salad recipes, this salad is sure to impress your guests.
Flavor Profile and Ingredients
At the heart of the Broccoli Cranberry Salad are the fresh broccoli florets, which provide a crisp foundation. The vibrant red cranberries add a pop of color and sweetness, making the salad not only nutritious but also visually appealing.
A hint of red onion enhances the flavor profile, while the creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt offers a satisfying richness. For those who enjoy added texture, sunflower seeds and crumbled bacon can be sprinkled on top, giving the dish a delightful crunch.
Preparation and Presentation Tips
Preparing this salad is straightforward, requiring minimal time in the kitchen. Start by rinsing and chopping the broccoli into bite-sized pieces, which allows for easy mixing and serving.
After creating the creamy dressing, combine it with the broccoli, cranberries, and red onion in a large bowl. To maximize flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
Perfect for Every Occasion
The Broccoli Cranberry Salad is not just a seasonal dish; it’s versatile enough for various occasions. Whether you’re crafting Thanksgiving menu ideas or planning a festive Christmas feast, this salad fits seamlessly into any table spread.
With its balance of savory flavors and fresh ingredients, it complements main dishes beautifully, making it a beloved choice among side dishes. This crunchy veggie salad can also be made ahead, ensuring less stress on the day of your gathering.
Nutritional Benefits
This salad is a nutritional powerhouse. With under 250 calories per serving, it provides a guilt-free option for those looking to indulge during the holiday season.
Packed with vitamins and minerals from the broccoli and cranberries, it supports a balanced diet while still being delicious. The inclusion of healthy fats from sunflower seeds and protein from Greek yogurt enhances its nutritional profile, making it a wholesome addition to any meal.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
While the classic recipe shines on its own, there are several ways to customize this Broccoli Cranberry Salad to suit your taste. For a heartier option, consider adding grilled chicken or substituting the bacon with a plant-based alternative for a non-dairy salad recipe.
You can also experiment with different nuts, fruits, or dressings to create variations like a Broccoli Cauliflower Salad With Raisins. Each twist offers a unique take on this versatile dish, allowing it to shine at various gatherings throughout the year.
A Perfect Side Dish for Your Holiday Table
This Broccoli Cranberry Salad is a light, crunchy dish that combines fresh broccoli florets with sweet dried cranberries and a creamy dressing. The flavors meld beautifully, providing a tasty complement to savory dishes. It’s the perfect addition for those looking for Thanksgiving salad options or a Christmas salad that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or non-dairy alternative
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (optional)
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the broccoli, dried cranberries, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, add sunflower seeds and crumbled bacon for extra crunch and flavor.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 200kcal
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
Table of Suitable Diets and Adjustments
Here’s a table listing the diets this Broccoli Cranberry Salad is suitable for, with explanations and any necessary adjustments:
| Diet | Explanation / Adjustments |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian | Suitable as is if bacon is omitted. The recipe includes plant-based ingredients such as broccoli, cranberries, and sunflower seeds. Use honey or maple syrup as the sweetener. |
| Vegan | Replace Greek yogurt with a non-dairy yogurt alternative (e.g., coconut, almond, or soy-based yogurt) and ensure the sweetener is maple syrup (not honey). Omit the bacon. |
| Gluten-Free | Naturally gluten-free, as none of the ingredients contain gluten. Ensure the dried cranberries and any other processed ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. |
| Keto / Low-Carb | Adjustments needed: Replace dried cranberries with fresh cranberries (to reduce sugar content) or omit them entirely. Use a keto-friendly sweetener like stevia instead of honey or maple syrup. |
| Paleo | Replace Greek yogurt with a Paleo-compliant alternative like coconut yogurt. Use maple syrup (not honey if strict Paleo) and omit bacon unless it is nitrate- and sugar-free. |
| Whole30 | Replace Greek yogurt with a Whole30-compliant non-dairy option, such as cashew cream. Use date syrup or another compliant sweetener instead of honey/maple syrup. Omit dried cranberries if they contain added sugar. |
| Low-FODMAP | Adjustments needed: Replace honey with maple syrup. Reduce or omit red onion to limit FODMAP content. Use lactose-free Greek yogurt or a non-dairy alternative. |
