Vibrant Broccoli Grape Salad
This Vibrant Broccoli Grape Salad is a refreshing twist on the classic dish, boasting a delightful balance of textures and flavors. The crunchy broccoli florets pair perfectly with the sweet burst of seedless grapes and the chewiness of raisins, while the crunchy salted sunflower seeds add an unexpected crunch. This lightened-up version features a creamy dressing made from light mayonnaise and fat-free yogurt, providing all the indulgence without the guilt. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a nutritious side dish for any meal, this salad is just as satisfying without the bacon—though turkey bacon can be added for those who crave that smoky flavor. Prepare to impress your guests with this deliciously healthy and colorful salad!
8
Servings
225
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
small broccoli florets
4 cups (approximately 1 1/2 pounds, cleaned and cut into smaller pieces)
seedless grapes
1 cup (halved)
chopped celery
1/2 cup (fresh, washed and diced)
raisins
1 cup (preferably plump)
salted sunflower seeds
1/4 cup (lightly toasted if preferred)
light mayonnaise
1/3 cup (store-bought or homemade)
plain fat-free yogurt
1/4 cup (preferably Greek for extra creaminess)
sugar
3 tablespoons (granulated)
white vinegar
1 tablespoon (distilled variety)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, halved grapes, chopped celery, raisins, and salted sunflower seeds. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the light mayonnaise, fat-free yogurt, sugar, and white vinegar until smooth and creamy. Adjust the sugar to taste if desired for added sweetness.
3
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
4
Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
5
Serve chilled and enjoy as a delicious and healthy side dish!
Nutrition Information
5.5g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
2.25g
Protein
1.875g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vibrant Broccoli Grape Salad?
It is a refreshing, lightened-up twist on the classic broccoli salad featuring a balance of crunchy, sweet, and creamy flavors.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in the salad?
The main ingredients include small broccoli florets, seedless grapes, chopped celery, raisins, and salted sunflower seeds.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 225 calories.
Is this Broccoli Grape Salad vegetarian?
Yes, as written, this recipe is vegetarian.
Can I add bacon to this recipe?
While it is satisfying without it, turkey bacon can be added for a smoky flavor.
What type of grapes should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of halved seedless grapes.
How long should the salad be chilled before serving?
It is recommended to cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
Can I use Greek yogurt in the dressing?
Yes, using Greek yogurt instead of plain fat-free yogurt is suggested for extra creaminess.
How much broccoli do I need for this salad?
You will need approximately 4 cups of small broccoli florets, which is about 1.5 pounds.
What type of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of distilled white vinegar.
Is this salad suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for potlucks, picnics, or as a nutritious side dish.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 5.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 37.5g of carbohydrates.
Does this recipe provide any protein?
Yes, it provides 2.25g of protein per serving.
What is the fiber content of the salad?
Each serving contains approximately 1.875g of fiber.
What makes the dressing for this salad?
The dressing is a whisked mixture of light mayonnaise, fat-free yogurt, sugar, and white vinegar.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the salad?
Yes, you can adjust the sugar to taste if you desire more sweetness in the dressing.
What type of sunflower seeds should I use?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of salted sunflower seeds, which can be lightly toasted if preferred.
Are the raisins prepared in any specific way?
The recipe recommends using 1 cup of raisins, preferably plump ones.
What provides the crunch in this salad?
The crunch comes from the fresh broccoli florets, chopped celery, and salted sunflower seeds.
Is there any celery in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 cup of fresh, washed, and diced celery.
What type of mayonnaise is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1/3 cup of light mayonnaise, either store-bought or homemade.
Is this a quick salad to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick salad' and is very simple to assemble.
How is the broccoli prepared?
The broccoli should be cleaned and cut into small, bite-sized florets.
Is this salad considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is a lightened-up version of the classic recipe that focuses on nutritious ingredients and a lower-fat dressing.
Can I use granulated sugar?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
How should the grapes be prepared?
The seedless grapes should be halved before being added to the bowl.
What is the primary flavor profile of the salad?
It features a sweet and savory profile with a creamy texture and significant crunch.
Should the salad be served warm or cold?
The salad should always be served chilled.