Try this broccoli salad with grapes for a deliciously crunchy side dish. Toasted almond slivers, sunflower seeds, crisp broccoli, and grapes create a wonderfully crunchy flavor!
A Refreshing Crunch: Broccoli Salad with Grapes
If you’re looking for a vibrant and crunchy side dish that will steal the spotlight at your next gathering, look no further than this broccoli salad with grapes. Bursting with flavor and texture, this salad features crisp broccoli florets, sweet halved grapes, and a delightful mix of toasted almond slivers and sunflower seeds. Perfectly complemented by a creamy dressing, this easy-to-make recipe brings nutrition and a burst of color to your plate.
Quick Cooking Bacon
Quickly cook bacon in the microwave while you make the rest of the salad. First, place the bacon on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Then, add a paper towel on top to catch any splatters that occur during cooking.
Cook each slice of bacon on high for 1 minute. For example, if you have six slices on the plate, cook them for a total of six minutes. Once the bacon is fully cooked, remove all the slices from the plate. Place any undercooked slices on the outer edges and cook them for an additional 30 seconds, or until they are fully cooked. This recipe requires the bacon to be crispy.
Mixing the Dressing for Broccoli Salad with Grapes
Whisk the dressing and set it aside while you prepare the remaining salad ingredients. The sugar will dissolve, and the flavors will meld while it sits. Whisk it again just before pouring it over the salad.
Preparing the Broccoli
Remove as much stalk as you can from each broccoli floret. Discard the stalks, or save them for other dishes or to flavor broth. After removing the stalks, chop the broccoli into smaller pieces with a knife. It helps to have the broccoli in small bites in this mixed salad, so you get more than just broccoli on your fork.
Onions for Broccoli Salad with Grapes
For a mild onion flavor, use sweet onions in this recipe. You can substitute purple onions, which will have a more pungent taste but add a pretty color to the salad. You can omit the onions if you prefer the salad without onion flavor.
Cheddar Cheese
Adding cheddar cheese to this broccoli salad enhances its flavor and richness, creating a contrast to the sweet grapes. The creamy texture of the cheddar complements the crunch of the toasted almonds and sunflower seeds, while its sharpness balances the sweetness of the dressing. Whether you opt for a mild or sharp variety, the cheese adds a savory note that elevates the salad’s overall flavor, making it an irresistible side dish at any gathering.
Broccoli Salad: Prepping Ahead
This salad can be prepared in advance by cooking the bacon, chopping the vegetables, and measuring the almonds, cheese, and sunflower seeds. You can store the broccoli and grapes together, while keeping the nuts, seeds, and bacon in another container. Additionally, store the dressing, onions, and cheese in their own separate containers. Just before serving, toss all the ingredients together; this last-minute mixing will ensure everything remains fresh and flavorful. Although the salad can be enjoyed the next day, keep in mind that the bacon, nuts, and seeds may lose their crispness.
Purchase unsalted, toasted almond slivers and sunflower seeds to make preparation easy. Toast raw almonds in the oven at 360°F. for 4-6 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Toast raw sunflower seeds at the same temperature but for 10-15 minutes longer, stirring occasionally.
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Broccoli Salad with Grapes
Ingredients
Dressing
- â…” cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or use another white vinegar)
Salad
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped (about 1 large head of broccoli)
- 1 cup seedless red grapes, cut in half
- ¼ cup sweet onion, chopped (optional)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped (omit for vegetarian salad)
- ¼ cup toasted almond slivers
- ¼ cup roasted sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
Dressing
- Cook the bacon and set it aside to cool.
- Combine the mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar. Whisk to mix and dissolve the sugar.
Salad
- Wash and dry the broccoli. Cut off the stalks and chop the florets into small pieces.
- Combine the broccoli, onions (if using), grapes, bacon, almonds, sunflower seeds, and cheese. Toss to mix.
- Add the dressing and toss to coat the salad. Serve immediately.