Crispy Broccoli Salad with Zesty Mandarin and Cashew Crunch
Immerse yourself in a vibrant medley of flavors with this Crispy Broccoli Salad, perfectly complemented by the sweetness of mandarin oranges and the satisfying crunch of roasted cashews. The salad combines fresh, bright broccoli florets with the zingy bite of red onions and the smoky richness of crumbled bacon, creating a delightful symphony of textures and tastes. The dressing, a creamy blend of mayonnaise, tangy cider vinegar, and a hint of sweetness from sugar, ties all the ingredients together beautifully. This salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nutritious addition to any meal. Ideal for gatherings, it’s best prepared a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld. Feel free to customize by swapping cashews for roasted sunflower seeds and mandarin oranges for raisins, making it a versatile dish for every occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh broccoli
2 medium heads (washed and trimmed)
red onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
bacon
1/2 lb (cooked and crumbled)
roasted cashews
1 cup
canned mandarin orange segments
1/2 cup (chopped and drained)
mozzarella cheese
1 1/4 cups (grated (optional))
cider vinegar
3 tablespoons
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons
mayonnaise
3/4 cup
sugar
1/3 cup
salt
1/4 teaspoon
fresh ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Start by washing and trimming the fresh broccoli heads, then chop them into bite-sized florets and place them in a large mixing bowl.
2
Finely chop the red onion and add it to the bowl along with the crumbled bacon and roasted cashews (or sunflower seeds) for an added crunch.
3
If you choose to include cheese, grate the mozzarella and fold it gently into the mixture.
4
In a separate bowl, create the dressing by whisking together the cider vinegar, sugar, vegetable oil, mayonnaise, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and well combined.
5
Once the dressing is ready, pour it over the broccoli mixture and toss gently to ensure that everything is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
6
Finally, fold in the chopped mandarin orange segments (or raisins) to add a burst of sweetness.
7
For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour, ideally overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crispy Broccoli Salad with Zesty Mandarin and Cashew Crunch?
It is a vibrant salad featuring fresh broccoli florets, sweet mandarin oranges, smoky bacon, and crunchy roasted cashews in a creamy dressing.
What are the primary ingredients for this salad?
The main components include fresh broccoli, red onion, bacon, roasted cashews, mandarin oranges, and optional mozzarella cheese.
How do I prepare the broccoli for this recipe?
The broccoli should be washed, trimmed, and chopped into bite-sized florets.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is made from a blend of cider vinegar, sugar, vegetable oil, mayonnaise, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is actually best prepared a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
How long should the salad refrigerate before serving?
You should refrigerate it for at least one hour, though overnight is ideal for the best flavor.
What can I use instead of roasted cashews?
Roasted sunflower seeds are an excellent substitute for cashews in this recipe.
Are there any substitutes for mandarin oranges?
Yes, you can use raisins instead of mandarin oranges if you prefer a different kind of sweetness.
Is the mozzarella cheese necessary?
No, the mozzarella cheese is an optional addition to the salad.
How much bacon is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 pound of cooked and crumbled bacon.
What type of onion is recommended?
Finely chopped red onion is used to provide a zingy bite to the salad.
Should the broccoli be cooked?
No, the broccoli is used fresh and raw to maintain its crispy texture.
How do I mix the dressing?
Whisk the vinegar, sugar, oil, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper together in a separate bowl until smooth.
Is this salad suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, it is described as an ideal dish for gatherings and versatile for every occasion.
How do I prevent the mandarin oranges from breaking?
Fold the mandarin orange segments in gently at the final stage of preparation.
What kind of vinegar should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for cider vinegar for its tangy flavor profile.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Fresh broccoli is recommended to ensure the salad has the proper 'crispy' texture.
Is there sugar in the dressing?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/3 cup of sugar to provide a hint of sweetness to the creamy dressing.
How much mayonnaise is needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of mayonnaise.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil?
While vegetable oil is specified, you could likely use another neutral-tasting oil if necessary.
What is the flavor profile of this salad?
It offers a symphony of textures and tastes, combining sweet, smoky, tangy, and zingy flavors.
Is this a nutritious dish?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious addition to any meal featuring fresh vegetables and nuts.
How many heads of broccoli do I need?
You will need 2 medium heads of fresh broccoli.
What amount of cashews is included?
The recipe includes 1 cup of roasted cashews.
How much mozzarella cheese should I add?
If using cheese, add 1 1/4 cups of grated mozzarella.
Is there a specific amount of salt and pepper?
Yes, use 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
What is the first step in making the salad?
The first step is washing, trimming, and chopping the fresh broccoli heads into florets.
Can I use pre-grated cheese?
Yes, although the recipe mentions grating it, pre-grated mozzarella will work fine.
What gives the salad its smoky richness?
The crumbled bacon provides the smoky richness in the dish.
Should I drain the mandarin oranges?
Yes, the canned mandarin orange segments should be chopped and drained before being added.