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To make a tasty broccoli salad, you need simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you should gather: - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup bell peppers (any color), diced - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup raisins - 1/2 cup sunflower seeds - 1/2 cup cooked quinoa (optional for extra texture) - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - Salt and pepper to taste - A pinch of garlic powder (optional) Each ingredient adds flavor and texture. Fresh broccoli gives a nice crunch. Bell peppers add sweetness and color. Red onion brings sharpness, while raisins add a sweet touch. Sunflower seeds give a nutty flavor and a little bite. Greek yogurt acts as a creamy base for the dressing, making the salad rich. Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy twist. Honey or maple syrup balances the tartness. Lastly, seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder round out all the tastes. For the full recipe details, check out the Crunchy Broccoli Bliss Salad 🥦. 1. Blanching the broccoli: Start by boiling water in a medium pot. Once it boils, add 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Blanch them for 2 minutes. This keeps them bright and crunchy. 2. Shocking the broccoli in ice water: After blanching, move the broccoli to a bowl filled with ice water. This quick shock stops cooking. Let them sit in the ice bath for 5 minutes, then drain and pat them dry. 3. Mixing the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled broccoli, 1 cup of diced bell peppers, 1/2 cup of finely chopped red onion, 1/2 cup of raisins, and 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds. If you want more texture, add 1/2 cup of cooked quinoa. Stir gently to mix everything well. 4. Whisking the dressing ingredients: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you like, add a pinch of garlic powder. Whisk until smooth. 5. Tossing the salad with dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss the mixture carefully. Make sure every piece gets coated in that creamy goodness. 6. Time to chill before serving: Taste the salad and adjust the salt or pepper if needed. Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to mix nicely. Enjoy making this crunchy broccoli bliss salad with the full recipe! To keep your broccoli crisp, start with fresh florets. Blanch them for just 2 minutes. This quick cooking keeps the bright green color and crunchy feel. After blanching, plunge them into ice water. This stops the cooking and locks in that crunch. If you want more crunch, try adding raw veggies like carrots or snap peas. You can also use a mix of blanched and raw broccoli for varied texture. For the best flavor, taste your salad as you mix. If it needs more zing, add extra apple cider vinegar. Want some heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes can spice things up. You can also swap the honey for a splash of lemon juice for a fresh twist. If you want to get creative, try adding diced avocado or fresh herbs like dill or basil. These will boost the flavor and make your salad unique. To make your salad look great, serve it in a large bowl. A colorful bowl makes it stand out. For a finishing touch, sprinkle extra sunflower seeds on top. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can add color and flavor. You can even add edible flowers for a fun look. When you present your salad well, it invites everyone to dig in. {{image_4}} For a fresh twist on your broccoli salad, try adding different greens. Spinach or kale can work well. You can also mix in other veggies like carrots or cucumbers for added crunch. If you want more flavor, consider using roasted nuts like almonds or walnuts instead of sunflower seeds. Each option brings its own taste and texture. You can use store-bought dressing, but I love making my own. A simple blend of Greek yogurt and vinegar gives a creamy texture. For a zesty kick, add lemon juice or mustard. You can also mix in herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor. This way, you can customize the salad to your liking. Pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. The freshness of the salad complements rich proteins nicely. You can also serve it as a side with sandwiches or wraps. For a fun twist, try it as a topping on baked potatoes. This adds a cool and crunchy layer to your meal. To keep your broccoli salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Use a tight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to cover the salad with a lid or plastic wrap. This keeps moisture in and prevents drying out. If the salad has dressing mixed in, it lasts about 3 days in the fridge. After that, the veggies may get soggy. If you store the dressing separately, it can last up to a week. This way, your salad stays crisp and tasty. Can you freeze broccoli salad? It’s not the best option. Freezing can change the texture of the veggies. If you want to freeze it, here are steps: 1. Prepare the salad without the dressing. 2. Place it in a freezer bag or container. 3. Remove as much air as possible. 4. Label and date your container. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before serving. This keeps your salad fresh and ready to enjoy. For the best flavor, try to eat it within a month. For the full recipe, check out the Crunchy Broccoli Bliss Salad. Broccoli salad is packed with nutrients. Broccoli is low in calories and high in vitamins. It has vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. These nutrients support your immune system and keep your bones strong. The added ingredients also boost health. Bell peppers add vitamin A and antioxidants. Raisins provide natural sweetness and iron. Sunflower seeds offer healthy fats and protein. Greek yogurt gives you calcium and probiotics. Together, they make a tasty and healthy dish. Yes, you can make broccoli salad ahead of time! It’s great for meal prep. Just keep a few tips in mind. - Prep the ingredients: You can chop the broccoli and other veggies in advance. - Store separately: Keep the dressing in a separate container. This will keep the salad fresh and crunchy. - Mix before serving: Combine everything before you serve it. This helps the flavors blend well. To make your broccoli salad more filling, add grains or proteins. Here are some ideas: - Quinoa: It adds texture and protein, great for a meal. - Chickpeas: They are high in protein and fiber. Toss them in for extra substance. - Chicken or tofu: Grilled chicken or marinated tofu will make it heartier. Adding these ingredients makes the salad a complete meal. You can enjoy it anytime! For the full recipe, check out the Crunchy Broccoli Bliss Salad. This blog post covered all you need to know about broccoli salad. We listed essential ingredients, shared easy steps, and provided smart tips for the best results. You learned how to mix flavors, tweak textures, and store your salad for freshness. Remember, broccoli salad is not just healthy; it’s also flexible and fun to customize. Enjoy making it your way, and share it with friends and family. A tasty, colorful salad makes every meal better!

Broccoli Salad

Looking for a fresh and flavorful dish tonight? Try this vibrant broccoli salad bursting with flavor! Made with crisp broccoli, crunchy bell peppers, and sweet raisins, it’s not only nutritious but also fun to customize. Perfect as a side or a main, this quick and easy recipe will become a favorite in no time. Click through to discover the full recipe for making this crunchy broccoli salad that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup bell peppers (any color), diced

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup cooked quinoa (optional for extra texture)

1/2 cup Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

Salt and pepper to taste

A pinch of garlic powder (optional)

Instructions
 

Begin by bringing a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully add in the broccoli florets and blanch them for precisely 2 minutes, ensuring they retain their bright green color and crunchy texture.

    Following the blanching, immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl filled with ice water. This quick shock will halt the cooking process. Allow them to sit in the ice bath for about 5 minutes, then drain thoroughly and pat dry with a kitchen towel.

      In a generous mixing bowl, combine the cooled broccoli with the diced bell peppers, finely chopped red onion, raisins, sunflower seeds, and the optional cooked quinoa for added texture. Stir gently to mix the dry ingredients evenly.

        In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder until the dressing is smooth and well-blended.

          Drizzle the prepared dressing over the mixed salad ingredients in the larger bowl. Carefully toss everything together until each ingredient is fully coated in the creamy dressing.

            Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding additional salt or pepper if necessary for enhanced flavor.

              Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully together.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 4-6 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large, beautiful serving bowl. For an eye-catching finish, sprinkle extra sunflower seeds on top and garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to add a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy!