🥗 Broccoli Salad with Almonds & Cranberries – Crunchy, Sweet & Creamy Delight

Introduction: Why This Salad Stands Out

This Broccoli Salad with Almonds and Cranberries is the definition of balance: crisp broccoli florets, sweet-tart dried cranberries, nutty sliced almonds, and a tangy, creamy dressing. It’s veggie-power meets dessert-like flavor—while still being wholesome and fresh.

Whether you’re packing lunch, heading to a picnic, or rounding out your dinner table, this salad is a breeze to make and a delight to eat.

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Benefits & Why It Works

• Nutrition-packed: Broccoli brings fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants.
• Sweet-tart combo: Cranberries add tang and color; apples or grapes work too.
• Crunchy contrast: Almonds add texture and healthy fats.
• Make-ahead friendly: Flavors meld beautifully after a few hours.
• Diet-friendly: Naturally gluten-free, can be made dairy-free with yogurt swaps.

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Ingredients (Serves 8)

• 5 cups broccoli florets (about 3 medium stalks)
• ½ cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup finely diced red onion
• Optional: ½ cup halved red grapes or diced apple

Creamy Dressing

• ¾ cup Greek yogurt (or plain vegan yogurt)
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt & pepper to taste

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prep Broccoli: Blanch florets in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water. Pat dry for vibrant color and crisp bite.
2. Toast Almonds: Heat a dry skillet, toast almonds 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
3. Make Dressing: Whisk yogurt, mayo, honey, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Combine Salad: In a large bowl, toss broccoli, almonds, cranberries, onion, and optional fruits.
5. Dress & Chill: Pour dressing over salad, toss gently. Chill at least 1 hour (but up to overnight) to let flavors meld.
6. Serve: Give it a final toss, adjust seasoning, and serve immediately or within 12 hours.

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Pro Tips for Best Results

• No soggy salad? Dry broccoli thoroughly after blanching.
• Dressing texture: Rest overnight ensures creaminess and flavor integration.
• Add protein: Mix in cubed tofu or cooked chicken to make it a complete meal.
• Make it vegan: Swap mayo for vegan mayo and yogurt for plant-based yogurt.

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Variations & Add-Ons

• Fruit swap: Use golden raisins, chopped pear, or mandarin segments.
• Cheesy twist: Add crumbled feta or goat cheese before serving.
• Seed swap: Pumpkin or sunflower seeds for nut-free crunch.
• Sweet heat: A dash of cayenne or chili flakes in dressing adds a spicy kick.

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Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Tips

• Make ahead: Prep and dress salad a day in advance. Store in an airtight container.
• Fridge life: Keeps fresh for 3–4 days. Stir before serving to re-incorporate dressing.
• Packable lunches: Split dressing and salad into separate containers for peak freshness.

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Nutrition Snapshot (per serving)

• Calories: ~180
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbs: 22g (including 10g sugars)
• Fiber: 4g

(Estimates; adjust based on serving size and ingredient brands)

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FAQs

Q: Can I skip blanching broccoli?
A: Yes—but blanching keeps color bright and texture just right. You can use raw broccoli too.

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: It thaws too soft—stick to fresh for crunch.

Q: Is this salad meal-prep friendly?
A: Absolutely—make it the night before and enjoy for up to 4 days.

Q: How can I reduce sugar?
A: Use unsweetened yogurt and reduce or omit honey/maple. Add orange zest for sweetness instead.

Q: Can I serve it warm?
A: Try warm broccoli with warm bacon bits and skip the creamy base—delicious hot version!

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Conclusion: A Crunchy, Colorful Crowd-Pleaser

This Broccoli Salad with Almonds and Cranberries is more than a side—it’s a conversation starter, a healthy hero, and a versatile, make-ahead marvel. Its vibrant colors and textures brighten any meal, and you can customize it endlessly to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck, serving a family dinner, or prepping your weekly meals, this salad delivers freshness, satisfaction, and smiles in every bowl.

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