Zesty Broccoli Salad with Lemon Dressing Recipe for Fresh Meals

Summer’s bounty shines in this zesty broccoli salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and crisp textures.

Crunchy florets dance with tangy lemon notes, creating a refreshing dish perfect for picnics and gatherings.

Bright green vegetables mingle with herbs and a light, punchy dressing that wakes up your taste buds.

Nutritious ingredients come together in mere minutes, making this recipe a quick and delightful solution for busy days.

Fresh ingredients speak volumes about simplicity and wholesome eating.

Colorful and light, each bite promises a delectable journey through summer’s best produce.

You’ll fall in love with this easy, nutritious salad that celebrates fresh, clean flavors.

Why Broccoli Salad with Lemon Dressing Is So Refreshing

• Unleash Bold Flavors: Combines zesty lemon dressing with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar for a taste explosion that transforms simple broccoli into an exciting culinary experience.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows quick substitutions like different nuts, cheese varieties, or protein options to match personal preferences or pantry ingredients.
• Quick Nutritious Preparation: Packed with protein from bacon and cheese, plus vitamin-rich broccoli, this salad delivers a wholesome meal that can be assembled in minimal steps without complicated techniques.
• No-Fuss Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings where guests appreciate a fresh, crunchy side dish that looks impressive but requires straightforward cooking skills.

What You’ll Need for Creamy Broccoli Salad

• Broccoli Florets: Crisp green vegetables that provide a nutritious and crunchy base for the salad.
• Red Onion: Sharp and pungent vegetable that adds a zesty flavor and vibrant color to the dish.

• Bacon: Crispy and savory meat that brings a rich, smoky element to the salad.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese that adds a tangy and smooth texture to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Dijon Mustard, Garlic: Bright and zesty ingredients that create a tangy and flavorful dressing.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the salad.
• Sunflower Seeds: Crunchy and nutty seeds that provide additional texture and a subtle earthy flavor.

How to Make Broccoli Salad with a Citrus Kick

Step 1: Wash and Prep Broccoli

Thoroughly rinse broccoli florets under cool running water. Shake off excess water and pat dry with clean kitchen towels. Carefully chop the broccoli into bite-sized chunks that are easy to eat.

Step 2: Slice Red Onion

Peel the red onion and slice it into super thin, delicate slivers that will blend beautifully with the broccoli.

Step 3: Cook Crispy Bacon

Heat a skillet over medium flame. Cook bacon until it turns golden and develops a satisfying crunch. Transfer cooked bacon to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Create Zesty Lemon Dressing

• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until the ingredients form a smooth, vibrant mixture.

Step 5: Combine Salad Ingredients

• Chopped broccoli
• Sliced red onion
• Crumbled bacon pieces
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Step 6: Dress and Toss Salad

Pour the lemon dressing over the salad. Gently toss all ingredients to ensure even coating and distribution of flavors.

Step 7: Add Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle sunflower seeds across the top of the salad for an extra layer of texture and nutty goodness.

Step 8: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the salad for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to mingle and develop. Serve cold as a refreshing side or light meal.

Tips to Elevate Your Creamy Lemon Broccoli Salad

• Rinse Thoroughly: Clean broccoli florets under cold running water to remove any dirt or potential debris for a fresh, hygienic salad base.
• Chop Consistently: Cut broccoli into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even texture and balanced flavor in every bite.
• Bacon Perfection: Drain crispy bacon bits on paper towels to remove excess grease, keeping the salad light and preventing sogginess.
• Dress Smartly: Whisk dressing ingredients vigorously to emulsify and create a smooth, well-integrated tangy flavor that coats each ingredient evenly.
• Chill and Enhance: Refrigerate the salad for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste profile.

Ways to Customize Your Broccoli Salad Bowl

• Mediterranean Broccoli Salad: Replace bacon with crumbled feta cheese, add kalamata olives, and use oregano-infused olive oil for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Asian Broccoli Salad: Swap lemon dressing with sesame-soy vinaigrette, incorporate sliced almonds, and sprinkle red pepper flakes for heat.
• Protein-Packed Broccoli Salad: Mix in grilled chicken breast, replace sunflower seeds with pumpkin seeds, and use Greek yogurt as a protein-rich dressing base.
• Vegan Green Goddess Salad: Substitute bacon with roasted chickpeas, use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar, and create a creamy herb dressing with avocado.

What to Serve with Creamy Broccoli Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the tangy lemon dressing and cut through the richness of bacon and cheese, creating a refreshing balance.
• Enhance with Grilled Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken breast or salmon to transform this salad into a complete, satisfying meal with complementary textures and flavors.
• Add Rustic Bread Pairing: Crusty sourdough or whole grain bread provides a hearty counterpoint to the light, zesty broccoli salad, perfect for soaking up the lemony dressing.
• Match with Sparkling Water: Citrus-infused sparkling water echoes the bright lemon notes in the dressing, cleansing the palate between bites and adding a refreshing touch.

Storage Advice for Keeping Broccoli Salad Fresh

• Transfer salad to a sealed glass or plastic container to preserve freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors. Keep crisp and flavorful for up to 2-3 days.
• Store lemon dressing in a separate small jar or container to maintain salad's crunchiness. Pour dressing just before serving to prevent soggy vegetables.
• Keep bacon bits separate from salad to maintain their crispness. Add them back when ready to serve for maximum crunch and flavor preservation.
• Do not freeze this salad as broccoli and dressing will lose texture and become watery when thawed, compromising the dish's original quality and taste.

Broccoli Salad FAQs with All the Answers

• Why use dijon mustard in the dressing?

Dijon mustard adds a tangy, sharp flavor that enhances the zesty lemon and cuts through the richness of bacon and cheese, creating a balanced and complex taste profile.

• Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with crispy roasted chickpeas or toasted nuts for a similar crunchy texture and protein boost.

• How do sunflower seeds contribute to the salad?

Sunflower seeds provide a delightful nutty crunch, adding nutritional value with healthy fats, protein, and a textural contrast to the soft broccoli and creamy dressing.

Broccoli Salad with Lemon Dressing Recipe

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4.5 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty Broccoli Salad brings crisp textures and tangy flavors together in a refreshing summer dish. Crunchy florets dance with a bright lemon dressing, inviting you to savor each vibrant bite of this simple, wholesome creation.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup red onion
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds

Protein:

• 1/3 cup bacon bits
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly rinse broccoli florets under cold water, ensuring they are clean and free from any debris.
2. Chop broccoli into bite-sized pieces, maintaining uniform size for even texture and consistent cooking.
3. Finely dice red onion into thin, translucent slivers to distribute flavor evenly throughout the salad.
4. Crisp bacon bits in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and slightly crunchy, then drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
5. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to create a vibrant, tangy dressing.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli florets, red onion, crispy bacon bits, and shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Pour the prepared lemon dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated and seasoned.
8. Sprinkle sunflower seeds on top for added crunch and nutty flavor.
9. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and dressing to slightly marinate the vegetables.
10. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light lunch option.

Notes

• Chop broccoli uniformly to ensure even texture and prevent uneven cooking or raw spots.
• Pat bacon dry after cooking to maximize crispiness and prevent soggy texture in the salad.
• Adjust lemon dressing intensity by gradually adding lemon juice, tasting as you mix for perfect tanginess.
• Substitute bacon with roasted almonds or tempeh for vegetarian-friendly version while maintaining protein and crunch.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 215
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg