Make Ahead Broccoli Salad Recipes

BROCCOLI SALAD

It is easy to understand why broccoli salad is a mainstay of potluck dinners and community gatherings. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but also raw broccoli is a clever make-ahead ingredient because it maintains its hardy texture and crunch over time. (This Southern-inspired recipe can be made up to 24 hours ahead, then stored in the fridge.) While most traditional Southern broccoli salads feature a creamy mayonnaise dressing and are finished with bacon bits and grated cheese, this vegan riff offers a punchy vinegar mixture that serves as a quick pickling liquid for the onions and raisins before it's used as the final dressing. If you are making this salad in advance, leave the toasted almonds out until you are ready to eat.

Provided by Hetty McKinnon

Categories lunch, weeknight, side dish

Time 20m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

Broccoli Salad image

Steps:

Make the dressing: Place raisins and red onion in a small bowl. Add vinegar, sugar, ¾ teaspoon salt and 2 tablespoons of water, and toss to combine. Leave to pickle for 10 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Peel the woody exterior from the broccoli stalks and discard. Chop the stalks into ½-inch pieces. Chop the broccoli florets into ½-inch pieces. (The pieces do not have to be uniform or the same shape.) Place all the broccoli into a large mixing bowl.
After 10 minutes, finish the dressing by adding the olive oil and sesame oil to the bowl with the pickling raisins and red onion, and stir well to combine. Taste and season with more salt if needed. It should be tangy, slightly sweet and a little salty.
Add the raisin-and-onion dressing to the broccoli along with the apple and scallions. Using two large spoons, toss well so that everything is well coated. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste. Taste to make sure you are happy with the seasonings, adding more if needed.
When you are ready to eat, add the almonds and grapes (if using), and gently toss. Serve at room temperature.

Ingredients

1/2 cup golden or black raisins (or dried cranberries)
1/2 red onion, finely sliced
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
4 teaspoons granulated sugar
Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 1/2 pounds broccoli (about 2 heads)
1 apple (any variety), cored and cut into ½-inch cubes
2 scallions, white and green parts, finely sliced
Kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal) and black pepper
1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds, pepitas or sunflower seeds (see Tip)
1 cup red or green grapes (optional), halved crosswise

MAKE-AHEAD BROCCOLI SALAD WITH BACON AND CHEESE

This make-ahead broccoli salad recipe is very easy and can be refrigerated up to one week.

Provided by Ken Scribner

Categories Broccoli Salad

Time 40m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 7

Make-Ahead Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese image

Steps:

Toss broccoli, cooked bacon, Cheddar cheese, and onion together in a resealable container. Mix mayonnaise, sugar, and cider vinegar together in a separate container until well blended. Refrigerate both until chilled, 30 minutes or up to 1 week.
Just before serving, add dressing to the salad and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 349.1 calories, Carbohydrate 10.4 g, Cholesterol 51.1 mg, Fat 27.6 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 15.3 g, SaturatedFat 8.5 g, Sodium 833.3 mg, Sugar 7.4 g

Ingredients

2 bunches broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
1 pound cooked and crumbled bacon
1 (8 ounce) package sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 medium onion, diced
1 cup mayonnaise (such as Hellmann's®)
½ cup white sugar
¼ cup cider vinegar

BROCCOLI SALAD SUPREME

People can't get enough of the sweet grapes and crunchy broccoli in this colorful salad. I appreciate its make-ahead convenience. -Terri Twyman, Bonanza, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch Side Dishes

Time 10m

Yield about 20 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

Broccoli Salad Supreme image

Steps:

In a large salad bowl, combine the broccoli, grapes, celery and onions. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar. Pour over broccoli mixture and toss to coat. , Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Just before serving, gently stir in bacon and almonds.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 344 calories, Fat 26g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 14mg cholesterol, Sodium 268mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (20g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

Ingredients

10 cups broccoli florets (about 3-1/2 pounds)
6 cups seedless red grapes (about 3 pounds)
1 cup sliced celery
6 green onions, sliced
2 cups mayonnaise
2/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1 pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
1-1/3 cups slivered almonds, toasted