Broccoli Crunch Salad

You are going to love this updated Broccoli Crunch Salad. You may remember it as Broccoli Cauliflower Apple Walnut Salad. It is the perfect salad to make a day or two ahead. You can take it to any barbecue gatherings or back yard parties!  It is bursting with flavor and crunch from the broccoli, cauliflower, apples and walnuts. It gets a nice tang from the cranberries.  The dressing comes together in minutes and is the perfect pairing for this salad. Are you a crunch fan like me? You simply must try this Summer Slaw.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

No cooking involved: Using raw broccoli and cauliflower, there Is no cooking involved. Once it is blended with the dressing and after marinating, it has the perfect texture.

It's perfect for barbecues: Because it makes such a large bowlful, it is the perfect salad to take it along to those backyard barbecues to feed a large crowd.

Ingredients you will need

Broccoli: Broccoli is an edible green plant from the cabbage family that has a large flowering head and thick stalk. It is perfect for this salad as it maintains some crunch even after soaking up the dressing.

Cauliflower: Cauliflower is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family.

Celery: Celery is a nutrient rich, low calorie food. It has fiber and vitamin K, small amounts of A and C, calcium, and iron.

Red onion: Red onion adds a crunchy texture and bold flavor, elevating salads with its zesty kick.

Dried cranberries: Dried cranberries are made by partially dehydrating fresh cranberries which gives them a chewy texture much like raisins.

Walnuts: Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. They can help lower heart disease and boost your brain function.

Pink lady apple: This is my favorite apple! I love the sweet-tart crisp bite it has that adds a refreshing burst of flavor to this salad. This makes it the perfect choice for this make-ahead salad.

Olive oil: You have the option here of using a garlic-infused olive oil or simply adding a clove of garlic to the dressing. I like Olivelle olive oils.

Avocado oil mayonnaise: Is a mayonnaise made with avocado oil and it has a nice creamy texture.

Medjool date syrup: Incorporating Medjool dates into marinades provides a natural sweetness. These fresh fruits impart a rich, caramel-like flavor. Medjool date syrup is simply Medjool dates that have been pureéd down to a syrup form.

Lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a fresh, bright, and tangy element. It can help balance the richness of the other ingredients.

Dijon mustard: This coarse Dijon Noble Made mustard is my preferred mustard brand. It imparts a subtle tanginess and a vinegary note.

Salt and Pepper: The flavor of a dish is enhance, by salt, which elevates various flavor profiles, and by ground black pepper, which adds a gentle heat.

Instructions

In a small bowl: Whisk the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

In a large bowl: Combine all of the salad ingredients in a large bowl and toss to combine.

Pour: Slowly pour the dressing all over the salad and toss well to coat all the vegetables with dressing.

Enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Make this a day or two ahead: There are not many salads you can prepare a day or two ahead of time. This salad is most definitely one you can!

Chop the veggies small: You can chop the broccoli and cauliflower into smaller bite-sized pieces.

Recipe Variations

Pecans: Pecans make a wonder substitute for walnuts. You could use any nut of choice in this salad.

Dressing: Want to make this salad even easier? You can use your favorite bottled, creamy dressing.

Storage Tips

Broccoli Crunch Salad can be stored in a glass container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.

FAQs About Broccoli Crunch Salad

Can you eat broccoli raw in salad?

You can enjoy broccoli safely both raw or cooked as it is a nutrient-packed vegetable.

Is broccoli a superfood?

Yes! Broccoli is packed with nutrients that are essential for good health.

How far in advance can I make broccoli salad?

Stored the right way, fresh cut broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts will keep for up to 4 days.