Imagine a salad so irresistibly creamy, crunchy, and packed with flavor that it transforms boring vegetables into a culinary masterpiece. Our Buttermilk Dressing Broccoli Salad is not just another side dish – it's a game-changing recipe that will make you fall in love with broccoli all over again. With its perfect balance of crisp broccoli, zesty buttermilk dressing, and a delightful crunch from sunflower seeds, this salad is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly under cold running water, ensuring all dirt and debris are removed.
- Cut the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces if they are not already uniformly sized, aiming for consistent 1-inch pieces for even cooking and eating.
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Prepare a separate bowl with ice water for blanching.
- Carefully add broccoli florets to boiling water and blanch for approximately 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and become slightly tender but still crisp.
- Using a slotted spoon, immediately transfer blanched broccoli to the ice water bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color and crispness.
- Drain the broccoli completely and pat dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Finely chop the red onion into small, uniform pieces.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the blanched broccoli, chopped red onion, and sunflower seeds.
- Pour the prepared buttermilk dressing over the broccoli mixture and gently toss to ensure even coating.
- Cover and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the salad a final gentle stir and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Tips
- Blanching is Key: The secret to a perfect texture is quick blanching. Don't overcook the broccoli – you want it bright green and crisp, not mushy.
- Chill for Maximum Flavor: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows the dressing to fully infuse the broccoli with tangy goodness.
- Customize Your Crunch: Feel free to swap sunflower seeds with toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds for a different texture and flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad actually tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
- Dressing Consistency: If the dressing seems too thick, thin it out with a little extra buttermilk. If it's too thin, add a bit more mayonnaise.Pro tip: For the freshest taste, use the broccoli within a day or two of purchasing and ensure all ingredients are chilled before mixing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
