Broccoli Raisin Salad

IYKYK when it comes to one of the best sides out there: broccoli raisin salad. It’s loaded with layers of flavor and delicious crunch. With crisp, nutrient-packed broccoli florets and the delightful sweetness of golden raisins, this salad is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will leave your taste buds well-satiated.

But what truly sets broccoli salad with raisins apart is its tangy Miracle Whip dressing. The zesty, creamy concoction perfectly complements the freshness of the broccoli and the sweetness of the raisins. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a summer barbecue or a festive gathering, this broccoli and raisin salad promises to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Broccoli Raisin Salad

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• Broccoli: Broccoli is the main act here, so you want to go with the freshest green bunch you can find. Frozen florets won’t do this salad with broccoli and raisins justice.
• Raisins: Tart golden raisins are studded throughout the salad for a sweet surprise with every bite.
• Onion: Bacon, onion and broccoli are a winning combo. We especially like the big bold flavors that chopped red onion gives this broccoli salad with raisins, but a sweeter white varietal like Vidalia would also work.
• Miracle Whip: This forms the secret sauce and is the star ingredient in our best recipe. Many other versions of broccoli salad rely on mayonnaise, but Miracle Whip is sweeter and spicier than mayo (with less fat and calories, we might add).
• Vinegar and sugar: Sugar and white vinegar add acidity and sweetness to the dressing so it’s not overly tangy or cloying.
• Bacon: Bacon is optional, but highly encouraged. A crispy bacon topper makes everything better, including this broccoli and raisin salad.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the veggies

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Start by chopping the red onion and the stalk of fresh broccoli into small, bite-sized florets.

Step 2: Make the salad

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In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, raisins and onion, giving everything a good toss so the ingredients are mixed.

Step 3: Dress the salad

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In another small bowl, combine the Miracle Whip, vinegar and sugar until you have a thick dressing. Pour this over the broccoli mixture, and toss the salad a few times until the dressing is dispersed throughout. Sprinkle with the bacon.

Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.

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Broccoli Raisin Salad Variations

• Go nuts: Slivered almonds, toasted sunflower seeds or chopped heart-healthy walnuts would all be amazing in this hearty salad with broccoli and raisins.
• Swap in cranberries: We love the combo of tart fruit with a creamy dressing and crunchy broccoli, but dried cranberries work just as well as raisins or golden raisins in this salad.
• Add cheese: This one is a personal preference, but many broccoli salads are studded with shreds of cheddar cheese for a more decadent dish.

How to Store Broccoli Raisin Salad

We have to warn you: This addictive salad is known to cause cravings. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself eating it by the spoonful straight out of the fridge. The fact that it tastes great cold or at room temperature makes it a potluck favorite, but given that it has dairy, we advise keeping it in a shady spot if you’re serving it outside on a warm day.

How long does broccoli salad last?

Broccoli salad with raisins will last three to five days if stored in a sealed, airtight container in the refrigerator. Broccoli is a workhouse veg and a sturdy one at that, so it doesn’t break down or get soft as other salad veggies do after a day or two.

Can you freeze broccoli salad?

You can, but we don’t recommend it. The texture and taste just won’t be the same after it’s thawed.

Broccoli Raisin Salad Tips

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What’s the best way to cut broccoli florets for broccoli salad?

Cut the broccoli in small singular florets and cut off the stems. Try to make the pieces as uniform as possible so your salad bites are balanced.

What should you not do when making broccoli salad?

You should try not to dig in to this broccoli salad with raisins too soon. It’s a tricky task, but trust us: This salad is so much better after it chills in the fridge for a few hours. Chilling allows the ingredients to fully absorb the dressing.