Description
A refreshing and crunchy broccoli salad featuring toasted nuts, fresh apple, and a creamy lemon dressing that perfectly balances tangy and sweet flavors. This quick and easy side dish takes just 20 minutes to prepare and serves six, making it perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 medium broccoli heads (about 1 lb), chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large carrot, grated or julienned
- 1 apple, cored and chopped
- 1/2 small red onion (1/4 cup thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup craisins or raisins
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Toast Nuts: Toast walnuts or pecans over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Once toasted, transfer them to a cutting board and coarsely chop.
- Prepare Vegetables and Fruit: Chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces, grate or julienne the carrot, chop the apple, and thinly slice the red onion. Combine all these ingredients in a large salad bowl along with the toasted nuts and dried craisins or raisins.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a creamy, tangy dressing.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Use the full amount or adjust to taste, then toss thoroughly to evenly coat all components with the dressing. Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter dressing, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts, or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- Adjust sugar quantity based on your preference for sweetness and the tartness of the lemon juice.
- Chill salad for 30 minutes before serving to meld the flavors better.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best tangy flavor rather than bottled lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
