Savory Broccoli-Raisin Delight Salad
Indulge in a delightful medley of flavors with this Savory Broccoli-Raisin Delight Salad. This vibrant salad combines the crisp texture of fresh broccoli florets with the sweet, chewy bite of golden raisins. The addition of crunchy sunflower seeds and savory crumbled bacon brings a perfect contrast to the mix. Infused with a rich mayonnaise dressing and zesty red wine vinegar, this dish is a hit for any gathering or as a light lunch option. Chill for a refreshing taste that perfectly balances sweet and savory notes, making it an essential staple for picnics and potlucks alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
purple onion
1 medium (thinly sliced, then halved)
fresh broccoli florets
1 (16 ounce) package (washed and cut into bite-sized pieces)
sunflower seeds
1 (3 3/4 ounce) package (raw or lightly toasted)
golden raisins
1 cup (plumped in warm water for 10 minutes, if desired)
mayonnaise
1 cup (with your preferred brand)
bacon
4 slices (cooked until crispy, then crumbled)
red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons (to enhance dressing flavor)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the purple onion. Thinly slice it and then cut those slices in half to create smaller pieces.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced onion with the fresh broccoli florets, sunflower seeds, golden raisins, crumbled bacon, mayonnaise, and red wine vinegar.
3
Toss the ingredients gently to ensure everything is well-coated with the dressing.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
5
Serve chilled, and enjoy this refreshing and flavor-packed salad with family and friends.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Broccoli-Raisin Delight Salad?
It is a vibrant medley of fresh broccoli, golden raisins, sunflower seeds, and crispy bacon tossed in a creamy mayonnaise and red wine vinegar dressing.
What type of broccoli should I use?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce package of fresh broccoli florets, washed and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Which type of onion is recommended for this salad?
A medium purple onion is used, thinly sliced and then halved into smaller pieces.
What kind of raisins work best in this recipe?
Golden raisins are used to provide a sweet and chewy contrast to the savory ingredients.
How do I prepare the bacon for the salad?
Cook four slices of bacon until they are crispy, then crumble them before adding to the mix.
What are the components of the dressing?
The dressing consists of one cup of mayonnaise and three tablespoons of red wine vinegar.
Should the sunflower seeds be raw or toasted?
You can use one 3 3/4 ounce package of either raw or lightly toasted sunflower seeds.
How long does the salad need to chill before serving?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to properly meld.
Can I plump the golden raisins?
Yes, if desired, you can plump the raisins by soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.
Is this salad suitable for potlucks?
Absolutely; it is described as an essential staple for picnics and potlucks due to its refreshing taste.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 7 primary ingredients: purple onion, broccoli, sunflower seeds, golden raisins, mayonnaise, bacon, and red wine vinegar.
Can this be served as a full meal?
While it is a salad, it is filling enough to be served as a light lunch option.
Is this recipe considered a Southern dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a southern recipe.
How should I store the salad while it's chilling?
Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a lid before placing it in the refrigerator.
Is the broccoli cooked or raw?
The recipe uses fresh, raw broccoli florets for a crisp texture.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
The recipe specifically recommends red wine vinegar to enhance the dressing's flavor.
What is the best way to mix the salad?
Toss the ingredients gently in a large mixing bowl to ensure even coating without crushing the broccoli.
Is there any added sugar in the dressing?
No, the sweetness in the salad comes naturally from the golden raisins.
What texture can I expect from this salad?
It offers a complex texture with crisp broccoli, crunchy seeds, savory bacon, and chewy raisins.
Can I make this recipe quickly?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe, with the primary time commitment being the 2-hour chill time.
Does the recipe require salt or pepper?
The recipe does not explicitly list salt or pepper, as the bacon and mayonnaise provide significant savory flavor.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
While the recipe specifies bacon, turkey bacon can be substituted if you prefer a leaner option.
How do I prep the purple onion?
Thinly slice the onion and then cut those slices in half to create bite-sized pieces.
What brand of mayonnaise should I use?
You can use one cup of your preferred brand of mayonnaise.
Can I add more sunflower seeds?
Yes, the recipe uses a standard 3 3/4 ounce package, but you can adjust the amount to your preference.
Is the salad gluten-free?
The core ingredients (broccoli, onion, raisins, seeds, bacon, vinegar, and mayo) are typically gluten-free, but always check your specific brand labels.
How should I clean the broccoli?
The broccoli florets should be washed and thoroughly dried before being cut into bite-sized pieces.
Can I use white vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?
You can, but red wine vinegar provides a specific zesty profile that defines this dressing.
Should the salad be served cold?
Yes, the salad is best enjoyed chilled after the flavors have melded in the refrigerator.
Is this a good snack option?
Yes, it is tagged as both a snack and a lunch item, making it very versatile.