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Crisp and Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe with Toasted Almonds

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A refreshing and crunchy broccoli salad featuring toasted almonds and a creamy, tangy dressing, perfect for summer and easy to prepare in about 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 300 grams)
  • ½ cup sliced or slivered toasted almonds (50 grams)
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
  • ¼ cup cooked bacon bits (optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (120 ml)
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt (60 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Toast the almonds: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add ½ cup sliced almonds and stir frequently for about 3-5 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Transfer immediately to a plate to cool.
  2. Prep the broccoli: Rinse and pat dry 4 cups of broccoli florets. Cut into bite-sized pieces if needed.
  3. Chop the onion: Finely dice ¼ cup of red onion. For milder flavor, soak diced onion in cold water for 10 minutes and drain well.
  4. Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon honey until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine the salad: In a large bowl, toss broccoli, red onion, dried cranberries (if using), and cooked bacon bits (if using). Pour dressing over and gently mix until evenly coated.
  6. Add toasted almonds: Sprinkle cooled toasted almonds on top and toss lightly just before serving to keep them crunchy.
  7. Chill (optional): Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld, or serve immediately for maximum crunch.

Notes

Toast almonds carefully to avoid burning; drying broccoli well is essential to keep salad crisp. Add almonds last to maintain crunch. Dressing can be made smoother with a blender. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and coconut or soy yogurt. Bacon bits can be omitted or replaced with smoked tempeh for vegan variation.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, toasted almonds, creamy dressing, summer salad, easy salad recipe, healthy side dish, gluten-free salad