By Jolene Goodman
Step aside, “Trees and Raisins,” it’s 2025, and there’s a new salad in town. The Broccoli and Friends Salad is bursting with flavor and packed with nutrients, making it a fresh favorite you will want to hang on to.
Salads and slaws have come a long way in the past 75 years. I’ll admit, I wasn’t a fan growing up, but now they are the dishes I look forward to most at potlucks. Add some cubed chicken or a piece of salmon, and you have got a light, satisfying meal.
These days, salads are more versatile than ever, thanks to healthier, more creative dressing options ranging from various oils and vinegars to honey, mustard, maple syrup, Greek yogurt, fat-free sour cream and soy sauce. To lighten this recipe, try swapping the mayo for Greek yogurt and cutting the sugar to half a cup. You will still get all the flavor with fewer calories.
Whip up a batch this weekend. You will be glad you did.
Information provided by Jolene Goodman, vice president of Big Green Umbrella Media. Broccoli and friends saladRecipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy”
Servings: 4-6Ingredients
- 2 medium heads broccoli
- 2 apples
- lemon juice
- 1 carrot
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup sunflower seeds
- 1 cup pecans
- 1 package (2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
Directions
- Coarsely chop broccoli and place in large bowl.
- Coarsely chop apples and brush with lemon juice to prevent browning
- Add to bowl.
- Shred carrot and add to bowl with blueberries, cranberries, sunflower seeds, pecans and bacon.
- To make dressing: Mix mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar and poppy seeds.
- Pour over broccoli salad and mix well.