Savory Broccoli Celebration Salad
Elevate your gatherings with this Savory Broccoli Celebration Salad, inspired by Trisha Yearwood's beloved recipe. This vibrant dish features tender broccoli florets mingling with crunchy sunflower seeds, crispy bacon, and a sweet-tangy dressing that will tantalize your taste buds. Ideal for backyard barbecues or potlucks, this salad not only adds a beautiful burst of color to your spread but also holds up perfectly at room temperature, making it a go-to choice for any occasion. With the delightful combination of red onion and golden raisins in our twist, this salad will quickly become a family favorite, much like it is in our home!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
1/2 lb (cooked and crumbled)
broccoli florets
2 cups (small and blanched)
mayonnaise
1 cup (as is)
cider vinegar
1 tablespoon (as is)
onion
1/3 cup (chopped (red onion recommended))
sugar
1/4 cup (as is)
raisins
3/4 cup (as is (golden raisins recommended))
sunflower seeds
1/2 cup (roasted)
Instructions
1
In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it's crispy and golden. Drain the cooked bacon on paper towels and let it cool. Once cool, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a full boil. Carefully add the broccoli florets and blanch them for about 3 minutes, or until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain the broccoli and immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process. Once chilled, drain the broccoli again and pat dry to remove excess water.
3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, cider vinegar, chopped onion, sugar, and raisins until well blended. Add the blanched and cooled broccoli to the bowl and gently toss everything together until the florets are evenly coated with the dressing.
4
Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
5
Just before serving, fold in the roasted sunflower seeds and all but 2 tablespoons of the crumbled bacon, mixing gently to combine. Garnish the salad with the reserved bacon on top. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Broccoli Celebration Salad?
It is a vibrant salad featuring tender broccoli florets, crunchy sunflower seeds, crispy bacon, and a sweet-tangy dressing.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Trisha Yearwood's beloved version of broccoli salad.
How long should I blanch the broccoli?
The broccoli should be blanched in boiling salted water for about 3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
Why is an ice bath used for the broccoli?
An ice water bath is used to immediately halt the cooking process and preserve the broccoli's color and texture.
What kind of onion is recommended for this salad?
Red onion is recommended for its flavor and color.
Can I use regular raisins instead of golden raisins?
Yes, while golden raisins are recommended for our twist, regular raisins will also work well.
How long does the salad need to refrigerate?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
When should I add the sunflower seeds?
Add the roasted sunflower seeds just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Is this salad suitable for outdoor gatherings?
Yes, it is ideal for barbecues and potlucks because it holds up well at room temperature.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing consists of mayonnaise, cider vinegar, chopped onion, sugar, and raisins.
How much bacon is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of bacon, cooked and crumbled.
What type of vinegar is best for the dressing?
Cider vinegar is used to provide a specific tangy flavor to the dressing.
How much broccoli do I need?
You will need 2 cups of small broccoli florets.
Can I serve this salad at room temperature?
Yes, it can be served chilled or at room temperature.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients in this recipe.
What is the garnish for this dish?
The salad is garnished with 2 tablespoons of reserved crumbled bacon on top.
How do I prepare the bacon?
Cook it in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, drain on paper towels, and then crumble it.
Is this salad crunchy?
Yes, the sunflower seeds, bacon, and blanched broccoli provide a delightful crunch.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it actually benefits from being made at least an hour ahead to let the flavors develop.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
While tagged as vegetarian, it contains bacon, so you would need to omit the bacon to make it truly vegetarian.
What provides the sweetness in the dressing?
The sweetness comes from 1/4 cup of sugar and the inclusion of raisins.
Do I need to dry the broccoli after blanching?
Yes, pat the broccoli dry after the ice bath to ensure the dressing adheres properly and does not become watery.
How do I mix the dressing?
Whisk together the mayonnaise, cider vinegar, chopped onion, sugar, and raisins in a large bowl.
What kind of seeds are used?
The recipe specifically uses roasted sunflower seeds.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1/4 cup of sugar.
Can I use a different vegetable?
The recipe is designed for broccoli, but cauliflower is a common alternative for this style of salad.
What size should the broccoli florets be?
The florets should be cut into small, bite-sized pieces.
Is the bacon mixed in or just put on top?
Most of the bacon is folded in just before serving, with a small amount reserved for garnish.
Why is this called a Celebration Salad?
It is vibrant and flavorful, making it a perfect addition to family celebrations and festive gatherings.
How much mayonnaise is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of mayonnaise.