Festive Broccoli-Cranberry Crunch Salad
This vibrant Festive Broccoli-Cranberry Crunch Salad is a delightful addition to your holiday table, combining the crispness of fresh broccoli coleslaw with the sweetness of dried cranberries and the satisfying crunch of pistachios. It's an easy-to-make dish that can be customized with your favorite coleslaw dressing, making it as rich or light as you desire. The optional sweet onion adds a zesty twist that pairs beautifully with the sweet and tart flavors. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday feasts, this salad brings color and flavor to your festive spread, all while being refreshing and nutritious.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
broccoli coleslaw mix
2 (16 ounce) packages (ready-to-use)
coleslaw dressing
1 (16 ounce) bottle (store-bought or homemade)
sweet onion
1 small (chopped (optional))
dried sweetened cranberries
1 (8 ounce) package (ready-to-use (or substitute with Ocean Spray dried Craisins))
pistachio nuts
2 cups (shelled, to taste)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli coleslaw mix and your choice of coleslaw dressing. Start with a conservative amount and add more to taste, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
2
Fold in the dried cranberries and pistachio nuts, mixing gently to incorporate them evenly throughout the salad.
3
If using, add the chopped sweet onion for an added layer of flavor, adjusting the quantity to your preference.
4
Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste; mix thoroughly.
5
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
6
Serve the salad cold, garnishing with additional nuts or cranberries if desired. Enjoy the delightful crunch and festive flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Broccoli-Cranberry Crunch Salad?
It is a vibrant holiday salad that combines broccoli coleslaw mix, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy pistachios in a creamy dressing.
What are the primary ingredients for this salad?
The main ingredients include broccoli coleslaw mix, coleslaw dressing, dried sweetened cranberries, and pistachio nuts.
How long should I refrigerate the salad before serving?
You should refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to chill properly.
Is the onion a mandatory ingredient?
No, the small sweet onion is optional and can be added based on your personal flavor preference.
Can I use a specific brand of dried cranberries?
Yes, you can use any dried sweetened cranberries or a specific brand like Ocean Spray dried Craisins.
How many packages of broccoli coleslaw mix do I need?
The recipe calls for two 16-ounce packages of ready-to-use broccoli coleslaw mix.
What kind of dressing is recommended?
You can use one 16-ounce bottle of your favorite store-bought or homemade coleslaw dressing.
How many pistachios are used in this recipe?
The recipe suggests using 2 cups of shelled pistachio nuts, adjusted to your taste.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian-friendly.
Is this a good dish for a potluck?
Absolutely, its festive colors and easy preparation make it perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.
How do I prepare the pistachios?
The pistachios should be shelled before being folded into the salad.
Can I adjust the amount of dressing?
Yes, start with a conservative amount and add more until the ingredients are well coated to your preference.
What seasoning is needed?
The salad is seasoned simply with salt and pepper to taste.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is an easy, no-cook recipe that primarily involves mixing and chilling.
How should the salad be served?
It should be served cold, ideally garnished with extra nuts or cranberries for presentation.
What texture can I expect from this salad?
It offers a delightful crunch from the broccoli and pistachios, contrasted by the chewiness of the cranberries.
Can I use a homemade dressing?
Yes, the recipe allows for either store-bought or your own homemade coleslaw dressing.
What flavor profile does the sweet onion add?
The sweet onion adds a zesty twist that pairs well with the sweet and tart flavors of the other ingredients.
Is this salad considered a side dish?
Yes, it is categorized as a side dish, particularly for holiday feasts.
Are the cranberries sweetened?
The recipe specifies using dried sweetened cranberries.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, making it at least 30 minutes ahead is required for chilling, and it holds up well in the refrigerator.
What if I don't like pistachios?
While pistachios provide a unique flavor, you could substitute them with your favorite nuts if desired.
Is the broccoli raw in this salad?
Yes, it uses raw, shredded broccoli coleslaw mix for maximum crunch.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 total ingredients including the seasonings.
Can I add more cranberries than the recipe calls for?
Yes, the ingredients can be adjusted to your taste if you prefer a sweeter salad.
Is this salad refreshing?
Yes, it is described as a refreshing and nutritious addition to a festive spread.
Does this recipe require any cooking?
No, there is no cooking involved; it is a simple assembly and chill recipe.
What type of bowl should I use?
A large mixing bowl is recommended to ensure all ingredients can be combined thoroughly.
Is this salad colorful?
Yes, the green broccoli, red cranberries, and green pistachios create a very festive look.
Can I use red onion instead of sweet onion?
While the recipe suggests sweet onion, you can substitute with red onion for a sharper flavor.