Loaded Broccoli Salad

Time :30 minutes
Yield :8 servings

Recipe Background

Loaded Broccoli Salad has a name with a double meaning. It's "loaded" in that it has all the fixings you could want on a salad: creamy, tangy dressing, crunchy apples and nuts, crispy, fatty bacon bites, sharp cheese, the works. But it's also "loaded" in the way all the flavors come together for a rich taste that is both refreshing and satisfying. It takes 30 minutes or less to make this dish, and it's so easy to make, too; next thing you know, you'll be loading your plate with Loaded Broccoli Salad.
Loaded Broccoli Salad has a name with a double meaning. It's "loaded" in that it has all the fixings you could want on a salad: creamy, tangy dressing, crunchy apples and nuts, crispy, fatty bacon bites, sharp cheese, the works. But it's also "loaded" in the way all the flavors come together for a rich taste that is both refreshing and satisfying. It takes 30 minutes or less to make this dish, and it's so easy to make, too; next thing you know, you'll be loading your plate with Loaded Broccoli Salad.

Ingredients

For the dressing:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons white wine or apple cider vinegar or to taste
  • 1/8 cup sugar plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tablespoon parsley chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste

For the salad:

  • 1 pound small-medium broccoli florets raw or blanched
  • 1 red apple chopped
  • 1 cup gouda or sharp cheddar diced
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
  • 1/2 cup almonds pecans, or sunflower seeds, chopped and toasted
  • 1/2 pound bacon chopped and browned until crispy
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely diced

Directions

  • Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, parsley, garlic powder, and salt in a large salad bowl.
  • Taste the dressing for seasoning.
  • Add the broccoli to the dressing, tossing to coat.
  • Let the broccoli sit in the dressing for 5 minutes.
  • Add the apple, cheese, cranberries, almonds, bacon, and red onion to the bowl and toss well.
  • Taste for seasoning and serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.
×