Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Broccoli Salad


I have a secret.  I claim to dislike mayonnaise or Miracle Whip, or anything resembling the two.  And honestly, I really do dislike those condiments - the majority of the time.

But then there's other times.  Times where I want to make broccoli salad, where I secretly embrace mayo and forget that we have such a tumultuous love-hate relationship.

And don't even get me started on broccoli salad.  I used to think that it was something just old (no offense!) people ate.  I mean, really?  Broccoli salad?    It was just weird.

But then I became a food blogger.  And being a food blogger, I'm practically obsessed with searching through random blogs and broadening my horizons.  And so we come full circle to broccoli salad.  And mayo.  And I'm jumping in head first... because seriously.  This is one of the best side dishes I've made all year.  Yeah.  THAT good.

This post was entered in the event “Get Grillin’ with Family Fresh Cooking and Cookin’ Canuck, sponsored by Ile de France Cheese, Rösle, Emile Henry, Rouxbe and ManPans. 
Ingredients:


1 medium head of broccoli, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/8 cup sunflower seeds
4 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped
1/2 cup Miracle Whip/Mayo (I used MW because we didn't have any mayo)
1/8 to 1/4 cup sugar (Use less sugar if using MW because it's sweeter than mayo)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, onion, raisins, sunflower seeds, and bacon.  Mix well.

In a small bowl, combine the Miracle Whip (or mayo), sugar, and vinegar until smooth.

Pour Miracle Whip/mayo mixture over broccoli and toss until coated well.


Now, I made the mistake of saying Miracle Whip was the same thing as mayo once... and Andy promptly corrected me.  I didn't know he was the mayo police, but he argued his point and I suppose I can agree (but don't tell him that he's right!).  Either can be used in this recipe though, and I must say, I'm partial to the Miracle Whip version.

Either way, like I said... this is the best side dish I've made all year.  And to think that 48 hours ago I scoffed at broccoli salad.  Never again!

And don't forget, tomorrow is Thursday - which means I'll be doing a CSA round up... so if you want your CSA pics featured, don't forget to e-mail them to me @ mtlabor85 (at) yahoo (dot) com!

See you guys tomorrow!
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32 comments:

  1. EmilyJune 8, 2011 at 4:12 PM

    I always assoicate broccoli salad with potlucks and picnics. It seems to always be there, but I've never made it!

    And I love mayo :)

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  2. LDHJune 8, 2011 at 4:33 PM

    I remember the first time I had broccoli salad and was amazed that I liked it... really liked it :)

    I also really like your blog. I have had a great time perusing many posts. Sweet place. Nice stopping by to visit with you!

    Kindly, Lorraine

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  3. SableJune 8, 2011 at 4:53 PM

    I. Love. Broccoli salad! SOOO much. Other than cucumbers (I was obsessed by age 3) broccoli slaw was the first 'vegetable' I really ate :)

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  4. ZoeJune 8, 2011 at 4:53 PM

    I wouldn't mind mayo or MW but prefer the low fat ones. I've not tried making my own yet. It will be interesting to see if there is any difference in the store-bought and home-made ones. I love your salad. Great for your summer (not our winter *sad*)...Yum!

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  5. goodcooksJune 8, 2011 at 5:07 PM

    You look like me, I always try, as far as I can, to be away from the mayo thing, I like to dress the salads with lemon juice and olive oil, it is very light version than the mayo.
    I'm a new bloger and Ijust came by your blog, love it, and see you also a biology major as mine.
    Happy for stopping by your blog.

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  6. Kimberly (unrivaledkitch)June 8, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    I love this absolutely my brother always makes broccoli salad lol its one of his favorite things.

    It's over coming those ingredients that we don't think we like and making them into something we do that are the awesome victories of cooking.

    I don't really like mayo either execept in certain things but I do like aioli and homemade mayo much better. This looks delish!

    awesome job.

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  7. LizzyJune 8, 2011 at 5:34 PM

    Oh, I love this one, too! I think I could eat the whole batch :)

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  8. Nami @ Just One CookbookJune 8, 2011 at 5:42 PM

    I already bookmarked this. I'm not a mayo person either except for sandwich and certain kind of salad. I can't wait to try this!

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  9. KimbyJune 8, 2011 at 5:49 PM

    Hi, Peggy! Congratulations on your decision to go to culinary school -- I can see why... great recipes, great ideas! I'm here this evening "blog hopping" from basilmomma's -- can't think of a nicer way to spend the evening, except maybe COOKING. :) Made Broccoli Salad last weekend, but I'll have to try your addition of sunflower seeds. (The recipe I have for it is almost as old as I am... tee hee... but without sunflower seeds.) Your's sounds like a "must try!"

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  10. Jen at The Three Little PigletsJune 8, 2011 at 6:57 PM

    I'm with you - I can't do mayo unless it's in just the right dish. It's a texture thing... This looks light and refreshing though.

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  11. SwathiJune 8, 2011 at 7:00 PM

    Peggy broccoli salad with mayo sounds delicious. I am afraid of mayo. But some time love to taste them too.

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  12. savoryandsavageJune 8, 2011 at 7:35 PM

    Your broccoli salad looks amazing. I am on the fence about mayo too - about the only place I use it is to make deviled eggs.

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  13. Vimitha AnandJune 8, 2011 at 9:44 PM

    Healthy and flavorful salad... I just love mayo in salad...

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  14. Nava.KJune 8, 2011 at 10:23 PM

    Have never used broccoli for salads, maybe should try after seeing your lovely salad.

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  15. The Harried CookJune 9, 2011 at 12:01 AM

    I believe you when you say it's that good! Just look at those ingredients & flavors! And with bacon in the bowl, how could you go wrong :) Thanks for sharing!

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  16. Nuts about foodJune 9, 2011 at 3:40 AM

    The next step is making your own mayo, using my husband's tutorial of course ;o)

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  17. athriftyfoodieJune 9, 2011 at 4:03 AM

    I may not eat bacon, but i love broccoli, can't wait to try this one out!

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  18. TinaJune 9, 2011 at 4:46 AM

    Lovely fresh side dish, with delicious and unique ingredients. Regarding mayo,my friend got her daughter to quit slathering it on everything-she told her it was nothing but pure fat! I believe it is ok, but in moderation. Thanks for sharing.

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  19. TiffanyJune 9, 2011 at 4:54 AM

    Crunchy and creamy... sounds delish!

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  20. MindyJune 9, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    I don't really like mayo either unless it's homemade. I wonder how homemade mayo would taste in this salad??? And I absolutely LOVE broccoli salad! :-)

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  21. Sherri@FoodBasics101June 9, 2011 at 12:47 PM

    Hello Peggy! I found you through Basilmomma's Blog Hop! Your broccoli salad looks delish! Have a great day! Sherri

    http://www.FoodBasics101.com
    Facebook- http://tinyurl.com/3nd53r4

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  22. Juju@ getfitjuju.blogspot.comJune 9, 2011 at 1:10 PM

    That broccoli salad looks so good!! I just want to take it off the computer and start eating eat. :)

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  23. SuzanneJune 9, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    love some broccoli salad in fact I was just think about making some. Our recipes are so similar your addition of sunflower seeds is a good one!

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  24. KateJune 9, 2011 at 1:34 PM

    Peggy, this salad looks wonderful! I have a very similar recipe that is my mom's that I have been meaning to post and crowds always rave about it. Thanks for the reminder :-)

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  25. JenniferJune 9, 2011 at 8:15 PM

    ahhhh yes please!!! This looks so flipping refreshing! I def want to make it!

    xoXOxo
    Jenn @ Peas & Crayons

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  26. Elies_LieJune 10, 2011 at 8:00 AM

    wow! I Loves Broccoli!
    I'll try ur recipe when I got a chance... Tq for sharing :)

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  27. MaureenJune 12, 2011 at 6:12 AM

    Basilmomma sent me. :)

    I love this salad. I have all the ingredients and it's gonna be lunch tomorrow!

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  28. MonetJune 12, 2011 at 7:03 AM

    I'm usually not a mayo girl either, but there are occasions when my tune changes...and this might be one of them! Thank you for sharing such an inspired recipe. I hope you are having a beautiful weekend. Love from Austin!

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  29. LoriJune 12, 2011 at 7:51 AM

    We are definitely on the same page! I just posted some broccoli salad yesterday. I made some changes to one just like this that is a favorite because I didn't have all the ingredients. I'm really liking subbing half or more of the mayo in recipes with Greek yogurt. Your salad looks great!

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  30. Sensible VegetarianJune 12, 2011 at 4:32 PM

    Yummy and colorful salad.

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  31. Judee @ Gluten Free A-zJune 14, 2011 at 1:08 PM

    I love the combination of vegetables in your broccoli salad. I am new to your blog and your newest follower. I would love it if you visited my blog and followed back.

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  32. kitaJune 15, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    I just had - then made my first broccoli salad the other day and I may never go back! Its awesome!

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