Cranberry Almond Broccoli Crunch Salad
This delightful Cranberry Almond Broccoli Crunch Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that effortlessly combines the crispness of fresh broccoli with the sweetness of dried cranberries and the nutty flavor of toasted almonds. Perfect as a side for summer barbecues or as a light lunch, this salad is not just visually appealing but also packed with flavor. The creamy dressing, made with buttermilk and mayonnaise, enhances the freshness of the vegetables while adding a touch of tanginess. Easy to prepare and even easier to love, this salad will surely become a staple in your household!
6
Servings
75
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
broccoli
2 heads (trimmed and cut into small pieces)
sliced almonds
1/2 cup (toasted)
dried cranberries
1/3 cup (none)
red onion
1/2 small (finely chopped)
buttermilk
1/2 cup (well shaken)
mayonnaise
1/3 cup (none)
cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
shallots
3 tablespoons (finely chopped)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by trimming the broccoli heads, removing any tough stems, and cutting the florets into small, bite-sized pieces.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, toasted sliced almonds, dried cranberries, and finely chopped red onion, tossing them gently to ensure even distribution.
3
In a separate bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the well-shaken buttermilk, mayonnaise, cider vinegar, sugar, and finely chopped shallots (or finely chopped red onion if preferred).
4
Season the dressing with a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, making sure to mix well for an even flavor.
5
Pour the creamy dressing over the broccoli mixture, tossing everything together until the salad is well-coated and the dressing is evenly distributed.
6
Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as necessary, adding more salt and pepper to your liking.
7
Serve immediately, or let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
5g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cranberry Almond Broccoli Crunch Salad?
It is a vibrant and nutritious salad that combines fresh broccoli, dried cranberries, toasted almonds, and a creamy buttermilk dressing.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 75 calories.
What are the main ingredients for the dressing?
The dressing is made from well-shaken buttermilk, mayonnaise, cider vinegar, sugar, and finely chopped shallots.
Do I need to cook the broccoli for this salad?
No, the broccoli is used raw; simply trim the heads and cut them into small, bite-sized pieces for the best crunch.
Can I substitute the shallots in the dressing?
Yes, if you do not have shallots, you can use finely chopped red onion as a substitute in the dressing.
Should the almonds be toasted?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/2 cup of toasted sliced almonds to enhance their nutty flavor.
How much fat is in this salad?
There are 5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there any protein in this broccoli salad?
Yes, each serving provides 2g of protein.
What is the best way to serve this salad?
You can serve it immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
What kind of vinegar should I use?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar for a touch of tanginess.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
The dressing includes 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the vinegar and buttermilk.
Is this salad suitable for summer barbecues?
Absolutely, it is described as a perfect side dish for summer barbecues or a light lunch.
What kind of onion is used in the salad base?
The salad uses 1/2 of a small red onion, finely chopped.
How do I prepare the buttermilk?
The buttermilk should be well-shaken before being added to the dressing mixture.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, you should taste the salad after tossing and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
What gives the salad its sweetness?
The sweetness comes from 1/3 cup of dried cranberries and the sugar in the dressing.
How much broccoli is required?
You will need 2 heads of broccoli, trimmed and cut into small pieces.
What is the texture of this salad?
The salad is crunchy thanks to the fresh broccoli and toasted almonds, complemented by a creamy dressing.
How do I mix the dressing?
Whisk together the buttermilk, mayonnaise, cider vinegar, sugar, and shallots in a separate bowl before pouring over the vegetables.
Is this a visually appealing dish?
Yes, it is described as a vibrant and visually appealing dish that combines green broccoli with red cranberries and white dressing.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Fresh broccoli is recommended for this recipe to maintain the signature 'crunch' mentioned in the title.
What role does the mayonnaise play?
The 1/3 cup of mayonnaise provides the creamy base for the dressing.
How much shallot is used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of finely chopped shallots.
Is this recipe easy to prepare?
Yes, it is described as easy to prepare and involves simple chopping and whisking steps.
Should the broccoli stems be used?
The instructions suggest removing any tough stems and focusing on the florets.
Does this salad contain any fruit?
Yes, it contains 1/3 cup of dried cranberries.
Is the dressing added all at once?
Yes, pour the creamy dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is well-coated.
Can I serve this as a main course?
While it is a great side dish, it can also serve as a light lunch.