If you are craving a salad that bursts with vibrant colors, delightful textures, and a bright yet creamy flavor profile, this Broccoli Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing Recipe is exactly what you need. Bringing together crunchy broccoli, sweet apples, toasted nuts, and a luscious lemon-infused dressing, this salad feels fresh and comforting all at once. It’s a perfect side dish for any occasion, whether a casual family dinner or a lively summer gathering, and once you try it, it might just become your new go-to favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Broccoli Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each item plays a critical role, from the crisp broccoli providing a fresh crunch, to the zesty lemon dressing that ties everything together with smooth tanginess.
- 2 medium broccoli heads: Choose firm heads with tight florets for the best crunch and bright green color.
- 1 large carrot: Grated or julienned for a pop of sweetness and vibrant orange hue.
- 1 apple: Cored and chopped, this adds a crisp, juicy bite that contrasts deliciously with the other ingredients.
- 1/2 small red onion: Thinly sliced to introduce a mild sharpness without overpowering the salad.
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts: Toasted for a warm, nutty aroma and satisfying crunch.
- 1/2 cup craisins or raisins: These chewy bursts of sweetness enhance the flavor complexity.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the lemon dressing, adding richness.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Balances the dressing with smooth tanginess and creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for bright citrus notes that wake up the palate.
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar: Just enough to mellow the tartness and round out the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the salad.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: A gentle pinch to add subtle warmth and depth.
How to Make Broccoli Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Nuts
Begin by toasting your walnuts or pecans over medium-high heat, tossing them occasionally so they develop that deep, toasty flavor without burning. This usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Once toasted, transfer them to a cutting board and chop coarsely. Toasted nuts add an irresistible crunch and aroma that elevate this salad wonderfully.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Fruits
Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets, grate or julienne the large carrot, chop the apple into small pieces, and thinly slice the red onion. Put all of these into a large salad bowl along with the toasted nuts and dried raisins or craisins. This colorful combination provides a range of textures and sweet-sour tastes that make every forkful exciting.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Lemon Dressing
In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar to taste, a pinch of sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This dressing is the heart of the Broccoli Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing Recipe, offering a beautiful balance of tang, creaminess, and a touch of sweetness that coats every ingredient perfectly.
Step 4: Toss and Enjoy
Add the dressing to the salad bowl and toss everything together until the broccoli and other ingredients are evenly coated. You can use the entire amount of dressing for a richer taste or adjust to your preference. The salad should look vibrant and glisten with the luscious lemon dressing, ready to dazzle your taste buds.
How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional toasted nuts or a little fresh chopped parsley on top just before serving. These garnishes not only enhance the presentation but add an extra layer of texture and freshness that your guests will appreciate.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a fantastic side dish alongside grilled chicken, roasted fish, or even a juicy steak. Its bright, creamy flavors provide a fresh contrast that complements richer mains beautifully while keeping the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Broccoli Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing Recipe in individual glass jars for pretty picnic portions or build it into a layered salad in a clear bowl so the colorful ingredients can be admired. You might also stuff the salad into hollowed-out bell peppers for an eye-catching and wholesome presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days, though for the best texture, you may want to add nuts or dressing fresh when ready to serve again, as the broccoli can soften over time.
Freezing
This salad isn’t ideal for freezing due to the fresh vegetables and creamy dressing. The broccoli and dressing can separate and become watery when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating isn’t recommended. The fresh, crisp textures and creamy lemon dressing are best served chilled to preserve the salad’s bright, lively flavors.
FAQs
Can I substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream for a healthier option?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt makes a fantastic substitute for a lighter, protein-rich dressing base that retains creaminess while cutting calories and fat.
How do I keep the broccoli crunchy?
To maintain crunch, use fresh broccoli heads and consider blanching briefly in cold salted water, then plunging into ice water to preserve the snap before assembling the salad.
Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes, the dressing can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good whisk before tossing it into the salad to reconnect all the ingredients.
What other nuts can I use if I’m allergic to walnuts and pecans?
Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are great nut-free alternatives that add crunch and nutrition without compromising flavor.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
The classic Broccoli Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing Recipe includes mayo and sour cream, but you can create a vegan version by using plant-based mayonnaise and coconut or cashew cream instead of sour cream.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing Recipe is a delightful way to bring freshness, creaminess, and a lovely balance of flavors to your table. It feels both indulgent and wholesome, making it an ideal dish to share with friends and family. Give it a try soon—you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
Print
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and crunchy broccoli salad featuring a creamy lemon dressing, toasted pecans or walnuts, fresh apple, carrot, and dried craisins or raisins. Perfect as a refreshing side dish with a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 medium broccoli heads (about 1 lb)
- 1 large carrot (grated or julienned)
- 1 apple (cored and chopped)
- 1/2 small red onion (1/4 cup thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts (toasted)
- 1/2 cup craisins or raisins
Dressing Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- ½ Tbsp sugar (or add to taste)
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Toast nuts: Toast the walnuts or pecans over medium-high heat in a skillet, tossing occasionally to prevent burning. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Once toasted, transfer to a cutting board and coarsely chop them.
- Prepare vegetables and fruits: Chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces, grate or julienne the carrot, chop the apple, and thinly slice the red onion. Combine all these with the toasted nuts and dried craisins or raisins in a large salad bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar to taste, sea salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Toss the salad: Add the dressing to the salad bowl, either the full amount or to taste, and toss everything until well coated and evenly mixed. Serve chilled or immediately.
Notes
- Toasting nuts enhances their flavor and adds crunch but can be skipped if short on time.
- Adjust sugar in the dressing depending on your preferred sweetness level.
- This salad can be made ahead and refrigerated for a few hours to let flavors meld.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute some or all of the mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
