Poolside Broccoli Salad

Poolside Broccoli Salad

Introduction:
Cool off by the pool with this refreshing and nutritious broccoli salad. Packed with crisp broccoli florets, crunchy almonds, sweet raisins, and tangy dressing, this salad is the perfect side dish for summer gatherings. It’s quick to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for picnics, barbecues, or any outdoor occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped cooked bacon (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:

• Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Cut the florets into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
• Toast the sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let them cool.
• Add the toasted almonds, raisins or dried cranberries, diced red onion, and chopped cooked bacon (if using) to the bowl with the broccoli florets.

1. Make the Dressing:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

1. Assemble the Salad:

• Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture in the large mixing bowl.
• Gently toss until the salad ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.

1. Chill and Serve:

• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
• Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
• Serve chilled and enjoy by the poolside or at your favorite outdoor gathering.

Tips:

• For added flavor and crunch, you can add other ingredients such as sunflower seeds, chopped pecans, or diced bell peppers to the salad.
• Make this salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving. Just give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
• To make a vegetarian version of this salad, omit the bacon and use a plant-based mayonnaise.

Description:
This poolside broccoli salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s perfect for summer entertaining. With its crisp broccoli florets, toasted almonds, sweet raisins, and tangy dressing, it’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Whether enjoyed by the pool or at a picnic in the park, this salad is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Nutritional Information:
(Serving Size: 1 cup)

• Calories: 200 kcal
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 17g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 4g

(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)