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Ingredients for easy creamy broccoli salad with raisins and sunflower seeds, including fresh broccoli, shredded broccoli stems, red onion and homemade creamy dressing.

Easy Creamy Broccoli Salad with Raisins

This easy creamy broccoli salad with raisins is crisp, crunchy and lightly coated in a simple creamy dressing. It’s an easy broccoli salad side dish made with fresh broccoli, shredded broccoli stems, red onion, raisins and sunflower seeds. Simple ingredients. Really good texture too.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Chill time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, North American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 260 kcal

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for the creamy dressing
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Large spoon or salad tongs for tossing

Ingredients
  

For the Broccoli Salad

  • 5 cups broccoli florets fresh and cut into medium bite-size pieces
  • 1½ cups broccoli stems peeled and thinly shredded
  • ⅓ cup red onion finely chopped
  • ½ cup raisins
  • ⅓ cup sunflower seeds

For the Creamy Broccoli Salad Dressing

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1½ tablespoons honey
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the broccoli. Cut the broccoli into medium bite-size florets. Don’t chop them too small—the larger pieces give it that fresh, chunky texture.
  • Shred the broccoli stems. Peel away any tough outer layer, then thinly shred or julienne the stems. You want narrow strips rather than tiny pieces.
  • Combine the salad ingredients. Add the broccoli florets, shredded broccoli stems, red onion, raisins and sunflower seeds to a large mixing bowl.
  • Make the creamy dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt and black pepper until smooth.
  • Dress the salad lightly. Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss well. Add the remaining dressing only if needed. The broccoli salad with raisins should look creamy but not heavily coated.
  • Chill. Cover and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. This gives the dressing time to settle into the broccoli while the florets still stay nice and crisp.
  • Serve. Give the salad another gentle toss before serving. Sprinkle on a few extra sunflower seeds if you want a little more crunch.
    • For the best easy creamy broccoli salad with raisins, cut the broccoli into medium bite-size florets and add the creamy dressing gradually. You want the broccoli lightly coated so it stays crisp, fresh and full of texture instead of becoming heavy or soggy.

Notes

 

  • Use fresh broccoli for the best creamy broccoli salad. Crisp broccoli florets give this salad its fresh texture and hold up well after chilling.
  • Keep the broccoli florets medium-sized. Smaller pieces can disappear into the dressing, while medium florets give this easy broccoli salad with raisins a fuller, more appetizing look.
  • Shred the broccoli stems thinly. Peeled, thinly shredded broccoli stems add extra crunch and help make this homemade broccoli salad more interesting without adding extra vegetables.
  • Chop the red onion finely. Small pieces blend through the salad better and give a little sharpness without overpowering the creamy dressing.
  • Use regular or golden raisins. Both work well in this broccoli salad with raisins and sunflower seeds and add a nice touch of natural sweetness.
  • Add the dressing gradually. Start with most of the creamy dressing, toss well, then add more only if needed. The salad should be lightly coated, not heavy.
  • Let the salad chill before serving. About 30 minutes in the refrigerator helps the flavors come together while the broccoli stays crisp.
  • Add sunflower seeds for crunch. If making this make-ahead broccoli salad, you can stir them in just before serving so they stay extra crunchy.
  • Taste before serving. A small splash of lemon juice, a pinch of salt or a little more black pepper can brighten the finished salad after chilling.
  • Make it ahead. This easy creamy broccoli salad recipe is a good make-ahead side dish because the flavor improves after a little time in the fridge.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 253mgPotassium: 480mgFiber: 4gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 626IUVitamin C: 89mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 2mg
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