Description
This Loaded Broccoli Salad is a flavorful and crunchy mix of fresh broccoli florets, sweet apples, creamy gouda cheese, crispy bacon, and toasted nuts, all tossed in a tangy and slightly sweet homemade dressing. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, this salad is easy to prepare and can be served immediately or chilled for a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup sour cream
- 5 tablespoons white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar; adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup sugar (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
Salad
- 1 pound small-medium broccoli florets (raw or blanched)
- 1 red apple, chopped
- 1 cup diced gouda (or sharp cheddar)
- ¾ cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
- ½ cup chopped almonds (or pecans or sunflower seeds; toasted)
- ½ pound bacon, chopped and browned until crispy
- ½ cup finely diced red onion
Instructions
- Make dressing: Whisk together all the dressing ingredients — mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, parsley, garlic powder, and salt — in a large salad bowl. Taste and adjust the vinegar, sugar, and salt until the dressing suits your preference.
- Add broccoli: Toss the raw or blanched broccoli florets in the dressing until they are well coated. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Assemble salad: Add the chopped apple, diced gouda, dried cranberries, toasted nuts, crispy bacon, and diced red onion to the bowl with the broccoli and dressing. Toss everything together until evenly combined. Taste again and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours to enhance flavors.
Notes
- To blanch broccoli: Boil florets in salted water for 1-2 minutes, then immediately plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Drain well.
- To toast nuts: Heat nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead. Keep chilled and add bacon just before serving if you want it extra crispy.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Dressing may thicken slightly upon refrigeration; stir before serving.
