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Updated from the archives
This is secretly one of my favorite ways to eat broccoli. Bacon, cashews, cranberries, a tangy dressing… yep. Definitely a favorite way. And no–definitely no–this is NOT the healthiest way to eat broccoli, I know. But it makes an excellent contribution to a summer barbecue, picnic, or potluck dinner. Cool, crisp, and refreshing…this is the way to eat broccoli in the summer.
My recipe has shifted over the last several years. This is a simple, straight-forward method that I really enjoy. I really like the combination of broccoli slaw and broccoli florets, though you can certainly use all florets or all slaw if you prefer. This recipe is very forgiving and can be adapted endlessly. You could stir in a little grated cheese, a few green onions, swap toasted slivered almonds for the cashews… I even know people who stir a little of the bacon drippings into the dressing for a more bacon-tastic flavor.
Two things to remember: any kind of mayonnaise will do–light, olive oil, regular, etc. I just wouldn’t use Miracle Whip ever. Also, try to resist the temptation to over-dress the salad. When you first stir in a little of the dressing, it may seem like it’s not enough. Don’t panic. Give it a little time to settle in, and you’ll be surprised. It will be plenty! You probably won’t use all the dressing the recipe makes. It’s just a good amount to get you started.
- 1 (12oz) package broccoli slaw
- 1c fresh broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
- 4-5oz bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½c salted cashews, or more to taste
- ½c dried cranberries, or more to taste
- ¾c mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp vinegar
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- salt and pepper, to taste
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary (more vinegar, sugar, salt, or pepper)
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli slaw, broccoli florets, and crumbled bacon.
- If making salad ahead of time, stir in only enough dressing to coat the salad (the salad will soften and the broccoli will release some of it’s liquid, so you don’t want to overdress the salad.) Refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 8 hours ahead of time. Right before serving, stir cashews and cranberries into the salad. Add a little more dressing if necessary.
- If serving immediately, stir in cashews, cranberries, and enough dressing to coat the salad well.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I have some of this delicious salad in my fridge at this very moment. We love it. So much!
I love the sound of this salad, especially as I’ve only recently discovered I like cashews and am now mildly obsessed. I am wondering though, what is in a package of broccoli slaw? I don’t think its something I’ve ever seen in the UK. Thanks
xxx
Naomi – broccoli slaw is made from shredded broccoli stalks, a few shredded carrots, and sometimes a little purple cabbage. I think you could shred your own broccoli stems if you have a food processor–it might be too tricky by hand. Best of luck!
Where do you find broccoli slaw? I think the stores in VA are lacking in the produce department.
Lydia – I’ve seen it next to other coleslaw/salad mixes or next to pre-chopped bagged vegetables in my local Kroger store, Sunflower market, and even Wal-Mart. Otherwise, Costco sells a giant bag of the this whole salad pretty much already assembled.
I’m having this for lunch today. Delicious!!