Vibrant Crunchy Garden Salad
Elevate your family gatherings with this vibrant crunchy garden salad, a perfect blend of fresh vegetables and savory ingredients that will steal the show. Bursting with color and flavor, this salad features tender broccoli and cauliflower, complemented by the creaminess of cheddar cheese and a hint of sweetness from raisins. The creamy dressing binds everything together while crispy bacon and sunflower seeds provide a satisfying crunch. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, this salad is sure to leave everyone asking for the recipe. And for those watching their sugar intake, feel free to adjust the sweetness without compromising on taste!
12-16
Servings
200
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
broccoli florets
5 cups (cleaned and chopped)
cauliflower florets
5 cups (cleaned and chopped)
shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups (freshly shredded)
chopped onion
2/3 cup (finely chopped)
raisins
1/2 cup (plain or golden)
mayonnaise
1 cup (regular or light)
sugar
1/2 cup (granulated (optional: use 1/3 cup for less sweetness))
red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (for acidity)
bacon
6 slices (cooked and crumbled)
sunflower seeds
1/4 cup (raw or toasted)
Instructions
1
In a large salad bowl, combine the washed and chopped broccoli and cauliflower florets.
2
Add in the freshly shredded cheddar cheese, finely chopped onion, and raisins. Toss gently to mix the ingredients.
3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, and red wine vinegar until smooth and creamy.
4
Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
5
Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Just before serving, sprinkle the crumbled bacon and sunflower seeds on top for added crunch and flavor.
7
Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and tastes!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
11g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Vibrant Crunchy Garden Salad?
It is a colorful and flavorful blend of fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets, cheddar cheese, raisins, and onion, tossed in a creamy dressing and topped with crispy bacon and sunflower seeds.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve between 12 and 16 people, making it ideal for family gatherings or parties.
What are the primary vegetables in this salad?
The base of the salad consists of 5 cups of broccoli florets and 5 cups of cauliflower florets.
What kind of cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best flavor and texture.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?
Yes, while the recipe suggests 1/2 cup of sugar, you can reduce it to 1/3 cup if you prefer a less sweet dressing.
What type of vinegar is used for the dressing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar to provide the necessary acidity to balance the creamy dressing.
Why is the bacon added just before serving?
Adding the crumbled bacon at the very end ensures that it stays crispy and doesn't become soggy from the dressing.
How long should I refrigerate the salad before eating?
The salad should be covered and refrigerated for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to properly meld together.
Can I use light mayonnaise?
Yes, you can use either regular or light mayonnaise depending on your dietary preferences.
What can I substitute for raisins?
You can use either plain or golden raisins, or substitute them with dried cranberries if you prefer a different tartness.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
Is this salad high in protein?
Each serving provides about 4 grams of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
A single serving contains approximately 15 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this salad?
There are 11 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use raw sunflower seeds?
Yes, you can use either raw or toasted sunflower seeds for the crunchy topping.
How should the onions be prepared?
The 2/3 cup of onion should be finely chopped to ensure the flavor is evenly distributed without being overpowering.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetable and dressing mixture up to a few hours ahead, but keep the bacon and seeds separate until serving.
Is this salad suitable for a gluten-free diet?
The main ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your mayonnaise and bacon labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
Can I use frozen broccoli or cauliflower?
Fresh vegetables are highly recommended for this recipe to maintain the signature 'crunchy' texture.
What is the best way to clean the vegetables?
Wash the florets thoroughly in cold water and ensure they are dried well so the dressing adheres properly.
How do I prepare the bacon?
The 6 slices of bacon should be cooked until crispy and then crumbled into small pieces.
Can I substitute the red wine vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used as a substitute if red wine vinegar is unavailable.
Is this a good dish for a potluck?
Absolutely! Its large serving size and the fact that it needs to chill makes it a perfect make-ahead dish for events.
Can I add other nuts to this salad?
Yes, sliced almonds or chopped pecans would make excellent additions or substitutes for sunflower seeds.
How long do leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days, though the vegetables may lose some crunch over time.
Is there a way to make this vegan?
To make it vegan, use a plant-based mayonnaise, vegan cheese shreds, and a bacon alternative or extra smoked nuts.
Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, a granulated sugar substitute can be used to lower the sugar content, though it may slightly alter the flavor profile.
Should the sunflower seeds be salted?
You can use salted or unsalted seeds; if using salted, you may not need to add any extra salt to the dressing.
What size should the florets be?
The broccoli and cauliflower should be chopped into bite-sized florets so they are easy to eat and coat evenly with dressing.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, if you have a large enough bowl, you can easily double the ingredients to serve a very large crowd.