Broccoli salad with almonds, cranberries and onions

This broccoli salad features crunchy broccoli, sweet dried cranberries, and nutty almonds, all coated in a creamy dressing with a hint of vinegar and sugar. It’s perfect for a light meal or as a refreshing side dish.

07 Jan 2026
Cook time 0 min
Prep time 30 min

Ingredients:

2 spears broccoli
1/2 cup almonds
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/2 onion
1/3 cup mayonnaise salad dressing
2 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp onion
Broccoli salad with almonds, cranberries and onions

Broccoli salad with almonds, cranberries, and onions is a refreshing and nutritious dish that combines the crunchiness of fresh broccoli with the sweetness of dried cranberries and the nuttiness of almonds. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a healthy snack. The creamy mayonnaise dressing adds a delightful richness, while a hint of vinegar and sugar balances the flavors beautifully.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Start by washing the broccoli spears thoroughly. Then, finely chop them into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Peel the onion and finely chop half of it. Set aside the 3 tablespoons of chopped onion needed for later; you'll add this to the dressing.
2. Toast the Almonds:
- If your almonds are not already toasted, you can enhance their flavor by toasting them. Place the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for about 5-7 minutes, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Let them cool slightly before roughly chopping them.
3. Mix the Slaw:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, toasted and chopped almonds, dried cranberries, and the chopped half onion.
4. Prepare the Dressing:
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise salad dressing, vinegar, sugar, and the reserved 3 tablespoons of chopped onion. Mix until the sugar is fully dissolved and the dressing has a smooth consistency.
5. Combine and Toss:
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture in the large mixing bowl. Toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
6. Chill and Serve:
- For the best flavor, cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

7. Enjoy!
- Once the salad has chilled, give it one last toss and serve it cold as a refreshing side dish.

Broccoli salad with almonds, cranberries, and onions is a versatile and delicious dish that can easily fit into your meal routine. It's quick to prepare, full of nutritious ingredients, and offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether served as a side dish or a light main course, this slaw is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Broccoli salad with almonds, cranberries and onions FAQ:

What is the best way to store broccoli salad leftovers?

Store any leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3 days, but the texture may change as the ingredients absorb moisture.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?

Fresh cranberries are too tart for this salad. It's best to stick with dried cranberries to ensure the right sweetness.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?

You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option or a vegan mayonnaise if you're looking for a dairy-free alternative.

How do I know when the broccoli is properly chopped?

Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch in size, so that they mix well with the other ingredients and are easy to eat.

Can I add other ingredients to this salad?

Yes, feel free to add other ingredients like shredded carrots, celery, or chickpeas for additional flavor and texture.

Tips:

- For extra crunch, lightly toast the almonds before adding them to the slaw.

- Use fresh broccoli for the best texture and taste. If possible, choose organic broccoli spears.

- To save time, you can use pre-shredded broccoli slaw mix that's available in many grocery stores.

- In place of mayonnaise salad dressing, you can use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative.

- Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the dressing for an extra burst of flavor.

- Let the slaw sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Nutrition per serving

6 Servings
Calories 100kcal
Protein 1.86g
Carbohydrates 8g
Fiber 1.37g
Sugar 5g
Fat 7g

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