Healthy Broccoli Salad Recipe: Made with Cranberries

This healthy broccoli salad recipe with cranberries is a great side dish! The crunchy broccoli, sweet cranberries, and tangy dressing will keep you going back for more.

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When I think about to the broccoli salad I ate when I was a kid, it is nowhere near as delicious as this healthier version I have for you here.

This recipe has a lot going for it. It has crunch from the broccoli, toasted almonds, and crispy bacon. The dried cranberries add a nice subtle sweetness that goes so well with the tangy dressing!!

Is broccoli Salad healthy?

As with most recipes, the quality of ingredients dictates whether or not it is healthy.

For this recipe, I suggested using mayonnaise that is made from avocado oil instead of one made with poor-quality seed oils, such as canola, soybean, or sunflower.

Poor-quality seed oils are known to cause inflammation. When a body is constantly in an inflamed state, many health conditions can arise.

Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable. This family of vegetables provides many antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Just one cup of broccoli will provide almost 65mg of vitamin C. It also provides nearly the full daily recommended value of vitamin K.

Additionally, broccoli has decent amounts of folate and other B vitamins.

Possible one of the most important things about broccoli, and other cruciferous vegetables, is its cancer-preventing property. Broccoli is rich in sulfur-containing compounds that play a big role in cancer prevention.

Equipment Needed

• Large bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Storage containers if you will be meal prepping (see tips below)

What is broccoli salad made of?

• Broccoli
• Dried cranberries
• Bacon
• Red onion
• Almonds

Broccoli Salad Dressing

The dressing used in this broccoli salad recipe is tangy and pairs so well with the sweetness of the dried cranberries. As a bonus, it has minimal ingredients!

• Avocado oil mayonnaise
• Apple Cider Vinegar – the kind with the mother like Braggs
• Garlic Powder
• Unrefined Salt
• Pepper

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How to make this broccoli salad recipe

To make the salad:

1. Heat a stainless steel skillet over medium-low heat. Once warm, add almond slices and toast until golden brown. Transfer to a plate to cool.
2. Using the same pan, add bacon and fry until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
3. While almonds and bacon are cooking, cut broccoli into bite-sized pieces and dice onion. Transfer to a large bowl.
4. Add cranberries, called almonds, and bacon.

To make the dressing for the broccoli salad:

1. Add all dressing ingredients to a small bowl or mason jar.
2. Whisk until combined

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Stir well, making sure to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.

Two ways to meal prep

Since this healthy broccoli salad is so hearty and holds up well, it is the perfect side dish to make ahead of time. It works excellent for including in weekday lunches or as a quicker dinner dish.

You can handle meal prep in one of two ways:

First, you can make the salad from start to finish. Store it in the frig for up to 4 days. Separate it into individual servings for lunches. Mason jars, one of my top kitchen tools, would work great for this. Store it in a large bowl with a lid if you will be using it for a meal or gathering.

Please note, that the almonds and bacon will lose some of their crispy texture as the broccoli salad sits. If you want them to stay crispy, Store them in a separate container and add them just before eating.

The second option is to prep all the ingredients. Then store the salad and dressing in separate containers, and toss them together about 30 minutes before serving.

How long does broccoli salad last?

You can store the prepped ingredients in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

The premade salad can but stored for up to 3 days. After which, the texture is not the same.

Goes great with

This healthy broccoli salad recipe will pair nicely with any grilled or roasted meat.

A big grass-fed steak is probably my favorite pairing!

It would also go well with a sandwich on fresh sourdough.

Save this nourishing and healthy broccoli salad recipe so you can make it for your family. And be sure to tag me on social media when you make and share it!