Easy Raw Broccoli Salad Recipe
Looking for a quick, delicious salad that requires no cooking? This easy raw broccoli salad is perfect for any occasion! Inspired by Sweet Tomatoes Joan Broccoli Madness Salad, it’s a refreshing dish that will delight your taste buds—even if broccoli isn’t usually your thing.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this Sweet Tomatoes Joan Broccoli Madness Salad is a lifesaver for busy days.
- Flavorful and Fresh: The combination of crunchy broccoli, sweet raisins, and salty bacon bits creates a delicious balance.
- Make Ahead: This Sweet Tomatoes Joan Broccoli Madness Salad actually improves in flavor after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, making it an ideal choice for potlucks and family gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty salad:
- Fresh Broccoli:
4 cups of bite-sized florets. Fresh broccoli gives the salad a nice crunch and vibrant color.
- Red Onions:
½ cup diced. These add a zesty kick and a pop of color.
- Raisins:
½ cup. The sweetness of the raisins complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- Cashews:
½ cup, chopped. They provide a delightful crunch and a hint of saltiness. If you have nut allergies, you can simply omit them.
- Bacon Bits:
½ cup. Crispy bacon adds a savory flavor. You can make your own by frying slices of bacon until crispy or use store-bought bacon bits for convenience.
Dressing Ingredients
The dressing is quick to prepare and brings all the flavors together:
Mayonnaise:
½ cup. This creamy base adds richness.
Apple Cider Vinegar:
2 tablespoons. It adds a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness.
Vegetable Oil:
2 tablespoons. This helps to thin the dressing and makes it easy to coat the salad.
Sugar:
2 tablespoons. Just enough to sweeten the dressing without overpowering it.
How to Make It
Follow these easy steps to whip up your salad:
Cook the Bacon:
- In a skillet, fry the bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Once cooked, remove from heat, drain on paper towels, and chop into small bits.
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, vegetable oil, and sugar.
- Whisk together until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Combine the Salad Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the fresh broccoli florets, diced red onions, raisins, chopped cashews, and bacon bits.
Dress the Salad:
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Gently fold everything together until all the pieces are evenly coated with the dressing.
Chill Before Serving:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s even better if you can let it sit overnight!
Customization Ideas
Feel free to adapt the salad to suit your tastes or dietary needs:
No Broccoli?
Substitute with mixed greens or another favorite vegetable like cauliflower or Brussels sprouts.
Nut Allergy?
Omit the cashews and consider adding sunflower seeds for crunch.
Vegetarian Option:
Use vegan mayonnaise and skip the bacon for a plant-based version.
Healthier Twist:
Replace mayonnaise with low-fat Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor. Keep in mind this will slightly alter the taste.
Low-Carb/Keto:
Swap sugar for a sugar substitute like Swerve. Omit the raisins and use pecans instead of cashews for a nutty flavor.
How to Store
Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. This makes it perfect for meal prep!
Enjoy Your Salad!
This easy raw Sweet Tomatoes Joan Broccoli Madness Salad is not only quick to make but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it at a summer picnic, a family dinner, or as a light lunch, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the health benefits of fresh veggies!
Recipe you may like…
Dunkin Donuts Avocado Toast Recipe
Sweet Tomatoes Joan’s Broccoli Madness Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 pounds broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
Instructions
- In a big bowl, mix together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, vegetable oil, and sugar.
- Whisk the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Add the broccoli, cashews, raisins, bacon bits, and chopped red onion to the bowl.
- Gently stir everything together so the dressing coats all the ingredients well.
- Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.
NOTES
- If you’re not a fan of broccoli, you can easily leave it out of the salad. Instead, use a mix of greens like spinach or lettuce for a fresh and tasty side salad.
- If you have a nut allergy, you can remove the cashews without affecting the overall flavor. The salad will still be delicious without them.
- For those looking to make the salad vegetarian, simply switch to vegan mayonnaise. This way, you can also skip the crispy bacon bits, and the salad will still be satisfying.
- One of the great things about this salad is that it keeps well in the refrigerator. You can store it for a couple of days, making it a perfect dish to prepare ahead of time. This way, you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner without much fuss. Enjoy your meal!
NUTRITION
- Calories: 288kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 222mg | Potassium: 383mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 580IU | Vitamin C: 81.4mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 1.3mg