Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe For Two

When it comes to large, family backyard picnics and holiday celebrations, you can almost always guarantee that broccoli salad will be one of the items that is on the food table. However, why wait to be invited to a summer get together to enjoy this delicious side dish when you can easily make a small batch of it at home?

Because there are so many different types of salads, let me first clarify the type that I am referring to. You may be familiar with the cold and creamy salad that you can find behind the deli counter at most grocery stores.

This one consists of broccoli florets, often combined with other ingredients such as bacon and shredded cheese. Then it is tossed in a light mayonnaise and vinaigrette dressing.

It is most often served chilled. However it can also be served at room temperature if not left out for more than 2 hours.

Not only is this salad extremely tasty, it is also super easy to make. With just 10 minutes of prep time, the salad is ready and can be put in the refrigerator to chill.

You can enjoy it the same day. However, as like with potato salad or pasta salad, the dish only gets better with time.

INGREDIENTS REQUIRED

1. Broccoli

Of course, the main ingredient of broccoli salad is broccoli. However instead of purchasing a whole head of broccoli, it is best to purchase broccoli florets.

Broccoli florets are the small, tightly-packed flower clusters of the broccoli plant. They include just a small portion of the stem.

There are several advantages to using the florets when making smaller salads for two. First of all the florets are easy to handle.

Although you may need to cut some of the larger florets down into smaller, more manageable bite size pieces, they are much easier to cut than the entire head. In addition, you aren’t wasting the larger stem pieces that often get discarded.

Not to mention that if purchase an entire head, you will need to use the remaining pieces within a few days before they go bad. As much as I like Broccoli Cheddar Soup and Chicken and Broccoli Stuffing Casserole, during the summer months I prefer foods that are more light and refreshing.

Therefore, when you go to make this delicious recipe I would highly suggest purchasing broccoli florets. You can find florets next to the heads of broccoli in the produce section or in sealed plastic bags in the pre-packaged produce section.

2. Cheese

Let’s face it! Cheese makes everything taste better. Not only does it add a unique texture to the broccoli salad, it also adds color and flavor.

Sharp cheddar cheese is included for its sharp and pungent flavor. Then a little Mozzarella cheese is sprinkled in as well for a variety of color and a creamier texture.

3. Real Bacon Bits

For additional flavor bacon bits are added to the salad as well. It provides the perfect balance of salty and a slightly smoky flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.

However, don’t reach for the imitation bacon bits. You can now easily find real bacon bits that are packaged and ready to use.

Although if you have the time you can certainly cook a couple of bacon strips and then crumble them into the salad.

4. Mayonnaise

The primary ingredient of the broccoli salad dressing is mayonnaise. The creaminess is what holds the ingredients together and the tanginess compliments the earthy flavor of the other ingredients.

You can use regular or reduced-fat mayonnaise or even plant-based mayonnaise. However if you use Miracle Whip you may want to reduce the amount of sugar and vinegar in the recipe, as Miracle Whip already has these ingredients included in the spread.

5. Granulated Sugar

A little granulated sugar is added to the dressing to help balance out the tanginess of the mayonnaise. However the slight hint of sweetness also elevates the flavor of the other ingredients in the salad.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar adds a little acidity to the broccoli salad, giving it a bit of brightness and tang.

Broccoli Salad Recipe Variations

Although this recipe is delicious as written, it is a versatile recipe and you can adjust the ingredients based on your taste preferences.

Here are some common ingredients that you can add:

• Dried cranberries
• Sunflower seeds
• Red onion
• Sliced Almonds
• Raisins
• Pecans
• Walnuts
• Celery

How To Store Broccoli Salad

Once you have the salad prepared, place it in a closed container. Be sure to refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Then store leftovers in the closed container for up to 3 days for best results.

How Far In Advance Can You Make Broccoli Salad?

Broccoli salad can be made up to 48 hours in advance. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will meld together.

However, it is best to add the dressing just before serving if you are going to store it greater than 24 hours before serving so that the broccoli does not get soggy.

What To Serve With Broccoli Salad

Broccoli salad is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of other foods. Although it is commonly served as part of a picnic or cookout, you may consider serving it alongside a few other items.

• Hamburgers
• Hot Dogs
• Bratwurst
• Chicken
• Steak
• Sandwiches
• Soups
• Pasta dishes
• Pizza

However you can also simply serve it as a stand alone main dish for a complete and satisfying meal that will keep you feeling full for hours.

Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon granulated white sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 1/2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 3/4 cups broccoli florets
• 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 Tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 Tablespoons real bacon bits
• salt and ground black pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

In a medium size bowl add the sugar and apple cider vinegar. Stir until combined.

Add the mayonnaise and whisk the ingredients together until smooth. Then add the broccoli florets and stir until incorporated.

Next add the cheese and bacon bits and stir until evenly distributed.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

However, be sure that broccoli salad does not sit out for longer than 2 hours at room temperature to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

*To make a larger salad simply double or triple the ingredients or follow this Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe.

Enjoy! Mary

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