Can I freeze broccoli salad?

Absolutely don't! Freezing turns those beautiful florets into a sad, mushy mess - trust me, I learned this the hard way after trying to 'meal prep' a giant batch. The dressing separates and the broccoli loses all its crunch. Store it refrigerated in an airtight container instead.

How do I keep the salad crunchy for days?

My grandma's secret? Store the dressing separately until ready to serve! I'll often mix everything except the nuts and dressing, keeping them in little containers at the front of the fridge where I won't forget them. Assemble right before eating - the broccoli stays crisp as day one.

What are the best nuts to use?

Walnuts bring that earthy depth I love, but sliced almonds give fantastic crunch without overpowering. For something unexpected, try toasted pecans - their buttery notes pair beautifully with the cranberries. Just stay away from softer nuts like cashews which can get soggy.

Irresistible Broccoli Salad Recipe Ready in 15 Minutes

Name: Crunchy Broccoli Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (chopped); 6 slices cooked bacon (crumbled); 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or almonds; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional); 1/2 cup diced apple (optional); 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped); 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 2 tablespoons honey; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Crunchy Broccoli Salad

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A fresh and flavorful broccoli salad loaded with crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, and crunchy nuts, tossed in a creamy-sweet dressing. Perfect for potlucks and make-ahead meals.

Author: Sophia Collins
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (for bacon)
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (includes chilling)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

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4 cups fresh broccoli florets (chopped)
6 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1/2 cup diced apple (optional)
1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)

Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine broccoli, bacon, cranberries, nuts, cheese, apple, and red onion.
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or yogurt), vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors blend.
Stir well before serving and enjoy!

Notes

For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Keep salad refrigerated for up to 3 days for best texture.
Add sunflower seeds or sliced almonds for extra crunch.
For a sweeter taste, increase honey by 1 tablespoon.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 280
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 380mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/broccoli-salad-recipe-with-bacon-cranberries/