Craving a salad that combines crunch and sweetness? This Broccoli Raisin Salad is your answer! It’s a delightful mix of flavors and textures, featuring fresh broccoli and juicy raisins, making it an unforgettable dish for any cookout menu or family gathering. Perfect for spring salads or a light side for Thanksgiving, this salad is sure to impress.
Not only is this the Best Broccoli Salad Ever, but it also provides a twist with the addition of apples. Imagine the perfect blend of crisp broccoli, sweet raisins, and a touch of crunch from the nuts, all dressed in a light, creamy dressing. Whether you’re looking for a Homemade Broccoli Salad or an Easy Broccoli Salad, this recipe is both delicious and healthy, coming in under 250 calories!
If you’re a fan of bacon, you won’t want to miss the Broccoli Craisin Bacon Salad variation. You can easily customize this dish to your liking, whether you prefer a Broccoli Mayo Salad or a Broccoli Salad With Ranch Dressing.
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The Allure of Broccoli Raisin Salad
This vibrant Broccoli Raisin Salad entices with its unique combination of flavors and textures.
Bright green florets of broccoli provide a crisp base while sweet raisins and diced apples add a delightful contrast.
Topped with crunchy walnuts and coated in a light creamy dressing, this salad is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, making it a staple for any cookout menu or family gathering.
A Refreshing Twist on Tradition
Elevating the classic appeal of broccoli salads, this dish introduces a sweet twist with the addition of apples.
Whether you’re preparing a Broccoli Summer Salad or a Broccoli Salad Thanksgiving, this recipe stands out as the Best Broccoli Salad Ever.
The balance of flavors, ranging from the earthy crunch of broccoli to the sweetness of the raisins and apples, creates a symphony that tantalizes the taste buds.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Value
Not only is this Homemade Broccoli Salad delicious, but it also boasts impressive nutritional benefits.
With under 250 calories per serving, it offers a guilt-free option for those mindful of their diet.
Packed with vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats from the nuts, this salad can easily be part of a balanced meal, making it an ideal choice for spring salads and light lunches.
Versatility of Ingredients
This salad is highly adaptable, allowing you to customize it based on your tastes.
Prefer a Broccoli Mayo Salad? Just swap the yogurt for mayonnaise.
Feel like adding a savory twist? Try incorporating crispy bacon for a Broccoli Craisin Bacon Salad that adds depth and richness. The flexibility of this dish makes it suitable for any occasion or preference.
Presentation Matters
When serving up this Broccoli Raisin Salad, presentation plays a significant role.
Arrange the vibrant ingredients in a rustic bowl to showcase the fresh colors and textures.
Sprinkling fresh herbs around the dish not only enhances its appearance but adds an extra layer of freshness, making it an inviting centerpiece for any table.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This Broccoli Raisin Salad is versatile enough to shine at various gatherings.
From summer cookouts to holiday feasts, it complements a wide range of dishes.
Whether served as a light side or a main event, its union of sweet and crunchy elements captures attention and leaves a lasting impression. Enjoy this delightful salad as part of your repertoire, and let its charm elevate your meals.
The Ultimate Broccoli Raisin Salad
This Broccoli Raisin Salad is a vibrant blend of fresh broccoli, sweet raisins, and crunchy nuts, tossed in a light dressing that perfectly balances the flavors. It’s a refreshing option for a healthy side dish, with a taste that’s both sweet and tangy. You’ll love how it complements any meal or stands alone as a light lunch.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped apples (preferably sweet)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayo), apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, raisins, chopped apples, and nuts. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Chill and Serve: For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 200kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
Table of Suitable Diets and Adjustments
Table: Dietary Suitability of Broccoli Raisin Salad
| Diet Type | Suitability and Adjustments |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian | ✔️ Suitable as-is. All ingredients are plant-based and align with a vegetarian diet. |
| Vegan | ⚠️ Not suitable as-is. Replace Greek yogurt or mayonnaise with a vegan alternative (e.g., coconut yogurt or vegan mayo) and use maple syrup instead of honey. |
| Gluten-Free | ✔️ Suitable as-is. None of the ingredients contain gluten, making it safe for a gluten-free diet. |
| Paleo | ⚠️ Not suitable as-is. Replace Greek yogurt or mayonnaise with a paleo-friendly alternative (e.g., avocado mayo) and ensure the sweetener is honey. Avoid using maple syrup. |
| Keto | ⚠️ Not suitable as-is. Reduce or eliminate raisins and apples to lower the carbohydrate content. Consider adding more nuts or seeds to maintain texture. |
| Whole30 | ⚠️ Not suitable as-is. Replace Greek yogurt or mayonnaise with Whole30-compliant mayo, and use apple juice concentrate or date paste instead of honey or maple syrup. |
| Low-Carb | ⚠️ Not suitable as-is. Reduce or eliminate raisins and apples to lower the carbohydrate count. Add more nuts for crunch and fats. |
| Dairy-Free | ⚠️ Not suitable as-is. Replace Greek yogurt or mayonnaise with a dairy-free alternative, such as almond or coconut yogurt. |
| Nut-Free | ⚠️ Not suitable as-is. Remove walnuts or pecans and replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option. |
| Low-FODMAP | ⚠️ Not suitable as-is. Reduce or avoid raisins and apples, as these are high in FODMAPs. Replace with suitable low-FODMAP alternatives like blueberries or firm bananas. |
