This Gordon Ramsay Broccoli Salad with Bacon & Cranberries is a crunchy and creamy recipe, which is made with crispy bacon and sweet cranberries. It’s the perfect side dish, ready in about 15 minutes plus chilling time.
Jump to RecipeGordon Ramsay Broccoli Salad with Bacon & Cranberries Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 720g fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
- 50g red onion, finely diced
- 70g dried cranberries
- 35g sunflower seeds, toasted
- 75g cooked bacon bits
For the Dressing:
- 240g mayonnaise
- 45ml apple cider vinegar
- 25g sugar (or less, to taste)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
How To Make Gordon Ramsay Broccoli Salad
- Toast the Seeds: Place the sunflower seeds in a dry pan over medium heat. Toast for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, diced red onion, dried cranberries, toasted sunflower seeds, and cooked bacon bits.
- Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss thoroughly until everything is fully coated. For the best flavor, cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Serve: Stir the salad again just before serving.
Recipe Tips
- How do I get the best texture? The key is to chop the broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces. Large chunks of broccoli won’t absorb the dressing as well and can make the salad difficult to eat.
- Why does the salad need to be chilled? Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour is a crucial step. It allows the broccoli to marinate and soften slightly in the creamy dressing, melding all the flavors together.
- What’s the best mayonnaise to use? For the richest, creamiest dressing that won’t break down, it’s best to use a full-fat, high-quality mayonnaise.
- Is toasting the sunflower seeds necessary? Yes, it makes a huge difference! Toasting the seeds in a dry pan for a few minutes brings out their nutty flavor and adds an extra layer of crunch to the salad.
What To Serve With Broccoli Salad
This classic side dish is a staple at potlucks and BBQs, and it pairs perfectly with:
- Grilled Chicken or Steak
- Hamburgers and Hot Dogs
- BBQ Pulled Pork or Ribs
- Fried Chicken
How To Store Broccoli Salad
Store: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The salad will keep for up to 3 days, though the broccoli will continue to soften over time.
Broccoli Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~480 kcal per serving
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 15g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare it completely up to 24 hours in advance. The flavors will be even better the next day. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Can I use a different kind of nut or seed?
Absolutely. Toasted sliced almonds, chopped pecans, or pepitas (pumpkin seeds) would all be delicious substitutes for sunflower seeds.
How can I make this salad a little lighter?
For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. This will add a bit more tang and reduce the overall fat content.
Try More Recipes:
- Gordon Ramsay Green Bean Salad Recipe
- Gordon Ramsay Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Gordon Ramsay Tuna Nicoise Salad Recipe
Gordon Ramsay Broccoli Salad with Bacon & Cranberries Recipe
Course: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes480
kcalA classic, crowd-pleasing broccoli salad that is crunchy, creamy, sweet, and savory, with a simple dressing that brings it all together.
Ingredients
720g fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
50g red onion, finely diced
70g dried cranberries
35g sunflower seeds, toasted
75g cooked bacon bits
Dressing: 240g mayonnaise, 45ml apple cider vinegar, 25g sugar, salt, pepper.
Directions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, red onion, cranberries, toasted sunflower seeds, and bacon.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Stir again before serving.
Notes
- Chopping the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces is key for the best texture.
- Letting the salad chill for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- This salad is a perfect make-ahead side dish for parties and potlucks.
- For the best flavor, use full-fat mayonnaise and toast your sunflower seeds.
