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Fresh Classic Broccoli Salad Recipe Easy Healthy 3-Ingredient Side Dish

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A fresh, crunchy, and slightly sweet broccoli salad with raisins and sunflower seeds, perfect as a quick, healthy side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups chopped fresh broccoli florets (about 300 grams / 10.5 oz)
  • 1/2 cup raisins (75 grams / 2.6 oz), preferably golden raisins
  • 1/3 cup shelled, unsalted sunflower seeds (45 grams / 1.6 oz)
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion (optional)
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise (80 ml / 2.7 fl oz), light or homemade recommended
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz)
  • 1 teaspoon honey (5 ml / 0.17 fl oz)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and chop the broccoli: Rinse about 4 cups (300 grams) of fresh broccoli florets under cold water. Chop into bite-sized pieces. Pat dry thoroughly or spin in a salad spinner to remove excess moisture. (5 minutes)
  2. Dice the red onion: Finely chop 1/4 cup of red onion. Optional: soak diced onion in cold water for 5 minutes and drain to mellow sharpness. (3 minutes)
  3. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or mason jar, combine 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk or shake until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste. (3 minutes)
  4. Toss the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped broccoli, diced onion, raisins, and sunflower seeds. Pour dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat. (5 minutes)
  5. Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and soften broccoli slightly without losing crunch. (30 minutes)

Notes

Dry broccoli thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Toast sunflower seeds lightly in a dry skillet for extra nuttiness. Chill salad for best flavor and texture. Add sunflower seeds just before serving if preparing in advance to keep crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, healthy salad, easy side dish, raisins, sunflower seeds, quick salad, gluten-free, vegetarian

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/fresh-classic-broccoli-salad-recipe-easy-healthy-3-ingredient-side-dish/