I decided to revive this salad from our archives again since it's become our all time favorite. This salad is simply tossed with fresh chopped broccoli, fresh chopped cabbage, raisins, dried cranberries and walnuts with a sweet, Dijon vinaigrette. Then topped with crispy bacon just before it's served. It was so amazing, we all couldn't stop eating it.
This fresh crunchy broccoli salad happens to be my take on a salad that I would often buy at our local deli. The gentleman behind the counter was rude and reluctant to giving up his secret dressing (he reminded me of a bull dog). Regardless, I tried to duplicate his salad, and with only a few attempts, I was able to come pretty close to the taste of that wonderful tasting dressing.
This salad will make a great choice to bring to any BBQ or any friends gathering this summer because it's one that will definitely not wilt nor get soggy; in fact, it will remain fresh and crispy up to 3 days.
This salad is relatively easy. You will only need a few minutes to chop the broccoli and cabbage, and an hour or two to marinate before serving. And we promise, this will be a summer salad that will never disappoint either. Everyone truly loved it!
Give it a try and let us know! Have a great day!
Crunchy Broccoli, Raisins and Walnut Salad
- 1 lb. fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp. table salt
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 small head white cabbage-thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 5 slices of bacon
Clean and rinse broccoli. Cut broccoli florets from stems, and separate florets into small bite-size pieces. Peel away tough outer layer of stems. Finely chop stems.
Whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, mustard, both vinegars, salt, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Add broccoli, cabbage, raisins, cranberries, red onion and walnuts; stir to coat.
Cover and chill for two hours.
In the meantime, cover a paper plate with a paper towel and place bacon on the plate, then place another paper towel on top to cover the bacon.
Cook bacon in the microwave for 4.5 minutes.
Remove and crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Set aside. When ready to serve, toss in the bacon pieces, reserve a few pieces to garnish on top. Serve.
Yields: 8 servings
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Happy June everyone! It's summer here in Charleston and we are in the 'salad' mood these days, but plan to get more quick dinner recipes to you soon. So stay tuned! Have a great weekend!
