This Walmart-style broccoli salad blends crunchy broccoli with shredded cheddar, almonds, dried cranberries, and a tangy yogurt-lemon dressing for a crowd-pleasing side. You’ll chop florets, lightly steam, then cool to keep texture, and toss with cheese, nuts, and cranberries. A simple dressing of yogurt or mayo with lemon, salt, and honey ties everything together. Let the flavors mingle briefly before serving, and you’ll uncover more tips as you explore further.
Ingredients and Quantity
For this Walmart Broccoli Salad, gather the core ingredients and their quantities: 4 cups chopped broccoli florets, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup sliced almonds, 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Broccoli florets | 4 cups |
| Cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Dried cranberries | 1/2 cup |
| Sliced almonds | 1/4 cup |
| Bacon, crumbled | 4 slices |
This base highlights Broccoli benefits and invites Salad variations, letting you tailor tang, sweetness, and texture while maintaining crisp, vibrant nutrition and freedom in your kitchen.
Preparations
To prepare Walmart Broccoli Salad, start by washing and drying the broccoli thoroughly, then chop into bite-sized florets. You’ll want to trim thick stems and use the tender tops for best texture. Toss florets with optional add-ins like crunchy walnuts, dried cranberries, or seeds, keeping balance between bite and creaminess. For the dressing, whisk yogurt or mayo with a splash of lemon, a pinch of salt, and a touch of honey to brighten flavors. Let flavors mingle before serving to maximize broccoli benefits in every bite. If you crave variety, try light variations like swapping yogurt for a dairy-free blend or adding grated cheese. This approach supports clear, practical prep while enabling salad variations that feel liberating.
Kitchen tools or Kitchenware Required
You’ll need a few trusty tools to assemble Walmart’s broccoli salad: a sharp chef’s knife for clean, quick florets, a sturdy cutting board, a large mixing bowl to hold everything, and a whisk or small spoon to blend the dressing smoothly. You’ll also value a colander for rinsing broccoli and a measuring cup for precise ingredients. These kitchen utensils speed salad preparation and keep flavors balanced without clutter. Tableware stays practical: a wide spatula helps fold ingredients, and tongs assist careful mixing.
| Tool | Purpose | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Grower’s knife | Cutting florets | Clean edges, quick prep |
| Mixing bowl | Combine ingredients | Even dressing |
| Colander & spoon | Rinse, drain, blend | Fresh texture |
How to Cook
- Steam broccoli until just tender to maintain a crisp texture and vibrant green color.
- Cool broccoli rapidly to preserve crunch.
- Toss broccoli with dressing, cheese, cucumber, or nuts to add texture variety.
- Season to taste, tasting as you go to balance flavor and maintain broccoli benefits.
- Let the salad rest a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Avoid overmixing to prevent the salad from becoming mushy.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later consumption.
- Adjust salad variations according to personal preference.
How to Serve
Serve Walmart Broccoli Salad chilled or at room temperature for the best texture. You’ll want to plate it with confidence, keeping portions even and visually inviting. Serving suggestions emphasize balance: combine crunchy broccoli, crisp apples or almonds, and the creamy dressing in a single, shallow bowl to highlight colors. If you’re serving a crowd, offer individual portions or a composed platter with contrasting greens and a lemon wedge for brightness. Presentation ideas include lining the dish with fresh herbs or citrus slices and sprinkling a light dusting of cheese for contrast. Label ingredients clearly for dietary preferences, and keep it chilled until guests arrive to preserve texture and flavor. This approach respects simplicity, accessibility, and freedom of choice.
Tips
To get the best results, start with fresh broccoli florets and a crisp chopping approach so every bite stays tender-crisp. Tips focus on timing, balance, and quick assembly, so you keep texture intact and flavors vivid.
1) Dressing variations: mix mayo, yogurt, or light vinaigrette to tailor richness and tang.
2) Texture plays: consider toasted seeds, cranberries, or shredded cheese to add contrast without sogginess.
3) Serving suggestions: chill briefly, then plate with ample crunch and a bright finish, reserving extra dressing for guests who want more.
A concise approach helps you preserve color, avoid limp edges, and enjoy bold, clean flavors with freedom and confidence.
Food Value and Benefit
This fresh broccoli salad is a nutrient-rich dish that combines fiber, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and protein to support overall well-being.
Food Value:
- High in dietary fiber from fresh broccoli, promoting digestive health.
- Rich source of vitamin C and folate, essential for immune function and cell growth.
- Contains almonds and cheese, providing healthy fats and protein for energy and satiety.
- Includes antioxidants and compounds from cruciferous vegetables that support detoxification.
Benefits of Eating This Recipe:
- Supports a healthy immune system with vitamin C and folate.
- Enhances digestion and gut health through high fiber content.
- Provides steady energy and prolonged fullness due to balanced protein and healthy fats.
- Promotes antioxidant intake to help combat oxidative stress.
- Helps maintain balanced calorie intake with nutrient-dense, whole foods.
- Encourages a feeling of lightness and improved control after meals.
Key Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vitamin C
- Folate (Vitamin B9)
- Vitamin K (from broccoli)
- Calcium (from cheese)
- Magnesium (from almonds)
- Potassium (from broccoli and almonds)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Customize This Salad for Dietary Restrictions?
Did you know 40% of shoppers crave customizable meals? You can tailor it to gluten free options, nut free alternatives, swapping mayo for yogurt, using seeds, and skipping add-ins to fit your dietary needs.
How Long Does It Stay Fresh in the Fridge?
Broccoli salad stays fresh about 3–5 days in the fridge. For best texture, use freshness tips like keeping toppings separate until serving. Store methods: airtight container, refrigerate promptly, and avoid overdresssing to maintain flavor and crunch.
What’s a Good Substitute for Broccoli?
Crumble breaks expectations: you can use a cauliflower alternative or spinach option as a broccoli substitute. You’ll keep texture and crunch while staying flexible, tasting fresh. Choose Cauliflower alternative for milder bite, Spinach option for greener, softer notes.
Can I Make It Ahead Without Wilting?
Yes, you can make ahead without wilting. For meal prep, blanch broccoli briefly, then cool completely, drain well, and store. Toss with dressing right before serving, or keep dressing separate to maintain crisp texture.
Is There a Vegan Version of the Dressing?
Vegan dressing options exist, yes, and they’ll wow you without dairy. You can whip up avocado-lime or tahini-sriracha for bold salad flavor enhancements, keeping it creamy, zesty, and deeply satisfying while you embrace freedom in cooking.
