Brenda Gantt Broccoli Salad Recipe
Indulge in Brenda Gantt's Broccoli Salad Recipe: A Perfect Blend of Southern Flavors. Try it today for a taste of culinary delight!
- Publisher: Crisp Recipe
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Side dish, Salad
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 250 calories
Brenda Gantt Broccoli Salad
Brenda Gantt Broccoli Salad is a vibrant, fresh take on the classic broccoli salad that’s become a favorite at potlucks and family gatherings. This version, inspired by Brenda Gantt’s twist, brings together crisp veggies and a tangy dressing that feels light but satisfying—perfect for brightening up any meal or serving as a stand-alone side with a bit of crunch and sweetness.
The salad features fresh, crunchy broccoli florets tossed with crisp bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, red onion, and sweet dried cranberries or raisins. What really ties it together is the creamy dressing, usually made with mayonnaise, a splash of vinegar or lemon juice, and a touch of sugar or honey for balance. Sometimes, a handful of toasted sunflower seeds or nuts add even more texture and flavor.
Eating Brenda Gantt Broccoli Salad is a treat for the senses—the broccoli stays delightfully crisp, offering a fresh snap with every bite. The bacon bits add a smoky, salty contrast, while the cheese brings a mellow creaminess. The dried fruit gives bursts of natural sweetness, making the whole thing feel balanced and lively rather than heavy. The dressing lightly coats everything, adding just the right tang without weighing it down.
This salad is best enjoyed chilled, making it an ideal make-ahead dish that improves as it sits, allowing the flavors to mingle. It keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days—just give it a gentle stir before serving. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or on its own as a light, nutritious snack.
Besides being delicious, this salad packs a nutritional punch—broccoli brings plenty of vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, while the bacon and cheese add protein and a bit of indulgence. You can easily tweak the dressing to make it lighter or swap in nuts to boost the healthy fats.
If you’re ready to enjoy a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful broccoli salad with a special twist, check out the recipe below and bring Brenda Gantt’s version to your table.
Recipe
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Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or chopped nuts (like almonds or pecans)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: crumbled bacon for extra flavor
Method Instructions
- Start by blanching the broccoli florets in boiling water for about 1-2 minutes, just until they become bright green. Then, immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and retain their crispness. Drain well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, chopped red onion, raisins or dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds or chopped nuts.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss everything together until the broccoli is well coated with the dressing.
- If desired, sprinkle some crumbled bacon on top for an extra burst of flavor.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Recipe Video
This is a video about Brenda Gantt Broccoli Salad.
Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 136 reviews.
Recipe Tags: Brenda Gantt Broccoli Salad, Brenda Gantt Broccoli Salad Recipe, Recipe
Servings
Serving Brenda Gantt's broccoli salad is a breeze, and it's a versatile dish that can complement various meals and occasions. Follow me as I show you how it can be served:
- As a Side Dish: This broccoli salad is a fantastic side dish for a wide range of main courses. It pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or burgers. It's also a great addition to a barbecue or picnic spread.
- Potluck or Picnic: If you're attending a potluck or picnic, consider bringing Brenda Gantt's broccoli salad. It's a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. Simply pack it in an airtight container and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.
- Lunch: Make it a satisfying and healthy lunch option by adding some grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu on top. It can be a standalone meal when you're looking for something light but filling.
- Garnish: If you want to elevate the presentation, garnish the salad with a sprinkle of sunflower seeds, chopped nuts, or even some additional dried cranberries before serving. This adds extra texture and visual appeal.
- Chilled: Brenda Gantt's broccoli salad is best when served chilled. Refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and to enjoy the refreshing contrast of cold ingredients.
This salad is not only tasty but also visually appealing with its bright green broccoli florets and colorful accents from the raisins or dried cranberries. Whether you're serving it at a casual get-together or a special occasion, Brenda Gantt's broccoli salad is sure to be a hit!
Tips
- Plan Ahead: Before you start cooking, take a few moments to read through the entire recipe. This will help you understand the steps and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment in advance.
- Knife Skills: Invest time in improving your knife skills. Properly chopped ingredients not only look better but also cook more evenly.
- Organize Your Workspace: Keep your kitchen organized. Have a clean and clutter-free workspace, and arrange your ingredients and tools for easy access.
- Taste as You Go: Don't be afraid to taste your food as you cook. This allows you to adjust seasonings and flavors to your liking.
- Experiment and Adapt: Cooking is an art. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients, flavors, and techniques. Don't hesitate to adapt recipes to your preferences.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh ingredients. They often have better flavor and nutritional value.
- Learn Basic Techniques: Mastering fundamental cooking techniques like sautéing, roasting, and braising can elevate your cooking skills significantly.
- Kitchen Safety: Always prioritize safety. Learn how to handle kitchen tools and appliances safely, and be cautious when working with sharp objects and hot surfaces.
- Follow Cooking Times: Pay attention to cooking times but be flexible. Factors like your specific equipment and the size of ingredients can affect cooking times.
- Presentation Matters: Take time to present your dishes nicely, even for everyday meals. A beautifully plated meal is more enjoyable.
- Clean as You Go: Try to clean up as you cook. It will make the post-cooking cleanup much easier and your workspace more efficient.
- Learn from Mistakes: Don't be discouraged by cooking mishaps. Mistakes are valuable learning experiences that can lead to better cooking in the future.
- Explore Different Cuisines: Broaden your culinary horizons by exploring cuisines from around the world. It's a great way to discover new flavors and techniques.
Ingredient Substitutes
- Egg Substitutes:
- Applesauce or mashed bananas can replace eggs in baking.
- Silken tofu or yogurt can also work in place of eggs in some recipes.
- Commercial egg replacers like Ener-G or flaxseed mixed with water are good alternatives.
- Milk Substitutes:
- Almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can replace cow's milk in most recipes.
- For a buttermilk substitute, mix 1 cup of milk alternative with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Butter Substitutes:
- For baking, you can use margarine or vegetable oil.
- In some recipes, applesauce or mashed avocado can replace butter.
Remarks
Incorporating these ingredient substitutes into your cooking repertoire empowers you to create culinary masterpieces. Explore, adapt, and elevate your dishes with confidence. Happy cooking!