Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing Recipe
If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant dish that perfectly balances crunch and a touch of sweetness, then this Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s a colorful symphony of crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, and zesty veggies all brought together by a luscious honey-infused Dijon dressing that sings with flavor. Whether you need a quick side for weeknight dinners or a standout salad for gatherings, this recipe hits every mark and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is your first step to creating a bowl packed with contrasting textures and layers of flavor. Each component plays a vital role, from the crunch of fresh broccoli to the tangy punch of the honey Dijon dressing, making every bite truly satisfying.
- Broccoli, 1 head: Chopped into bite-sized pieces to provide that refreshing crunch and vibrant green color.
- Bacon, 4 slices: Cooked and crumbled for a salty, smoky accent that complements the veggies.
- Red onion, ¼ cup: Finely chopped for a sharp bite that lifts the salad’s flavor profile.
- Red cabbage, ¼ cup: Thin slivers add a lovely pop of purple and subtle earthiness.
- Carrots, ¼ cup: Shredded for a natural sweetness and bright orange hue that makes the salad pop.
- Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons: The creamy, tangy base for our signature honey Dijon dressing.
- Olive oil, 3 tablespoons: Adds smooth richness and helps emulsify the dressing perfectly.
- Honey, 1 tablespoon: Offers a gentle sweetness that balances the mustard’s tang.
- Apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon: Injects a lively acidity that brightens every flavor in the salad.
- Garlic clove, 1 minced: Delivers a subtle garlic punch without overwhelming the dish.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors in the salad.
- Pepper, to taste: Adds just the right amount of warmth and depth.
How to Make Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base
Start by chopping the broccoli into bite-sized pieces that are easy to eat and maintain a great crunch. Combine the broccoli with crumbled bacon, chopped red onion, thinly sliced red cabbage, and shredded carrots in a medium bowl. This vibrant mix not only looks beautiful but builds a foundation of contrasting textures and flavors.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing combines tangy, sweet, and savory notes that perfectly complement the salad. The honey Dijon dressing is smooth yet punchy, coating each ingredient with delicious flavor.
Step 3: Toss and Combine
Pour the freshly made honey Dijon dressing over the bowl of salad vegetables. Gently toss everything together until the dressing evenly coats each piece. This step allows all those wonderful flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite a delightful blend of crunch, smoky bacon, and sweet-tangy dressing.
Step 4: Chill or Serve Immediately
You can enjoy this salad right away for the freshest crunch, or refrigerate it for at least an hour to allow the flavors to develop and soften slightly. Chilling also lets the dressing soak in, making the salad even tastier without losing that satisfying texture.
How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a handful of toasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor boost. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives can brighten the salad visually and add a subtle freshness that complements the honey Dijon dressing.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or fish, making it an ideal side for summertime BBQs or simple weeknight dinners. It’s also a fantastic companion to hearty sandwiches, offering a refreshing and healthy contrast to richer foods.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this broccoli salad in individual mason jars layered with the dressing at the bottom to keep the salad crisp until it’s ready to be eaten. Another lovely presentation idea is to fill lettuce cups with the salad for a light and hand-held appetizer or lunch option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep it chilled to preserve the freshness and crunch, but note that the broccoli may soften slightly as it sits in the dressing.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe because the fresh vegetables will become mushy and lose their crisp texture when thawed. For best taste and texture, enjoy this salad fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, allow it to sit out for 10 minutes but avoid microwaving as it will wilt the delicate veggies and change the texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this salad?
Fresh broccoli is ideal because it maintains the crunchy texture essential to this salad. Frozen broccoli tends to be softer and mushier, which wouldn’t give the same crisp bite or appearance.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing Recipe?
Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or substitute it with smoked tempeh or crispy chickpeas for that smoky, crunchy element while keeping the dressing and veggies intact.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the honey Dijon dressing can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and kept refrigerated in a sealed container. Just give it a quick whisk before using to recombine any separated ingredients.
How can I make this salad low-fat?
You can reduce the olive oil slightly or substitute it with a lighter oil, and use turkey bacon or omit bacon altogether to lower the fat content while still keeping this salad flavorful.
What other vegetables work well in this salad?
Feel free to experiment with veggies like snap peas, cherry tomatoes, or thinly sliced radishes. They add even more texture and color, making the salad your own creative masterpiece.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy fresh vegetables with a burst of flavor that feels anything but ordinary. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s sure to bring a bit of sunshine to your table — I hope you give it a try and make it a staple in your kitchen too!
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Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This vibrant Broccoli Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing is a quick and easy dish that combines fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, and colorful vegetables tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet honey Dijon dressing. Perfect for a refreshing side or light lunch, it can be served immediately or chilled for enhanced flavors.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 head broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ¼ cup red onion, chopped
- ¼ cup red cabbage, chopped into slivers
- ¼ cup carrots, shredded
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Salad: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, crumbled cooked bacon, chopped red onion, red cabbage slivers, and shredded carrots. Mix them gently to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, olive oil, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well emulsified.
- Toss Salad and Dressing: Pour the honey Dijon dressing over the prepared broccoli salad mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure every bite is coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh, crisp taste or refrigerate for at least one hour to let the flavors meld. Always keep the salad refrigerated if not serving right away.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit bacon or replace with smoked tempeh or a plant-based bacon alternative.
- Make sure to chop broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the fridge to enhance flavors.
- Add toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds for extra crunch if desired.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if your bacon is salty.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
