Blueberry Broccoli Salad with Poppyseed Ranch

This Blueberry Broccoli Salad with Poppyseed Ranch is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of crunchy broccoli, sweet blueberries, tangy feta, and crispy bacon, all coated in a creamy poppyseed ranch dressing, makes for a delightful and nutrient-packed salad. It’s a colorful and unique addition to barbecues, picnics, or as a side dish for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine broccoli, blueberries, red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, bacon, and feta cheese.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, poppy seeds, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss to coat evenly.
4. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes (includes chilling time)

Variations

• Nuts instead of seeds: If you prefer, swap sunflower seeds with slivered almonds or chopped walnuts for a different crunch.
• Add chicken: For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken to make this salad a main course.
• Vegan version: Use a dairy-free yogurt, omit the feta, and swap bacon for crispy chickpeas or tempeh for a plant-based alternative.
• Use different fruit: Experiment with other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or grapes for variety.
• More veggies: Add other vegetables like sliced bell peppers, carrots, or cucumbers for additional texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to eat it within 24 hours for the freshest flavor and texture, especially if you have bacon in it.
• Reheating: This salad is served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Just ensure it’s kept chilled until ready to serve.

10 FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, this salad can be made a few hours ahead of time. Just be sure to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
2. Can I use frozen broccoli? Fresh broccoli is recommended for this salad, as it provides a better crunch. If you use frozen broccoli, be sure to thaw and drain it completely before using.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can substitute feta with goat cheese, blue cheese, or shredded cheddar, depending on your preference.
4. What other fruits could I use in this salad? You could try using strawberries, blackberries, or grapes as a substitute for blueberries.
5. How can I make this salad lighter? You can reduce the amount of mayo or use a lighter version of the mayo and Greek yogurt. You can also cut down on the bacon or omit it entirely for a lower-calorie option.
6. What can I use instead of bacon? You can use turkey bacon, crispy chickpeas, or tempeh bacon as a vegetarian option.
7. Is this salad gluten-free? Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t contain any wheat-based ingredients. However, check the labels of your dressing and bacon if you’re concerned about hidden gluten.
8. Can I make this salad without the poppyseeds? Yes, if you don’t have poppy seeds, the dressing will still be delicious. You could add a teaspoon of mustard or a pinch of sesame seeds for a little extra flavor.
9. Can I use plain yogurt instead of Greek yogurt? Yes, plain yogurt will work, but Greek yogurt adds a thicker, creamier texture to the dressing.
10. Is this salad suitable for meal prep? Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 1-2 days. Just be aware that the texture of the broccoli may soften slightly as it sits, but the flavors will still be great.

Conclusion

The Blueberry Broccoli Salad with Poppyseed Ranch is a deliciously unique and nutrient-packed salad that’s perfect for any occasion. The balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, combined with a variety of textures from the crunchy broccoli, sweet berries, and crispy bacon, makes this salad a standout side dish. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for a light and healthy meal or a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution.

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