Name: Rainbow Broccoli Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 broccoli head; 1 red pepper; 1 yellow pepper; ¾ cup Cheddar Cheese; ¾ cup carrots; 1 cup purple cabbage; ¼ cup red onion; ¼ cup bacon bits; For Dressing:; ¾ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup Yogurt; 2 tbsp white vinegar; ¼ cup sugar

Rainbow broccoli salad is a vibrant dish that not only delights the palate but also adds a burst of color to your dining table. This salad is a healthy medley of crunchy broccoli, colorful peppers, carrots, and purple cabbage, all beautifully rounded off by a rich mayonnaise-yogurt dressing. It's the kind of dish that would brighten up any meal with its variety of flavors and textures.

Photos of Rainbow Broccoli Salad Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this salad are pretty straightforward and likely already in your pantry or fridge. However, the purple cabbage might be less common for some. You can easily find it in the produce section of most supermarkets, often alongside the more common green cabbage. It's worth noting that purple cabbage has a slightly different flavor profile than its green cousin, adding a pleasant hint of earthiness to the salad.

Ingredients for Rainbow Broccoli Salad

Broccoli: This is the main ingredient of your salad. Choose a fresh, firm broccoli head.

Red pepper: Adds crunch and sweetness to your salad.

Yellow pepper: Similar to the red pepper, the yellow one adds a different color and slightly different flavor.

Cheddar cheese: Gives your salad a tangy, creamy texture.

Carrots: Adds a bit of sweetness and a lot of crunch.

Purple cabbage: Brings a unique flavor and color to your salad.

Red onion: Provides a sharp, tangy flavor.

Bacon bits: These add a wonderful smoky flavor to the salad.

Mayonnaise: Forms the base for a creamy salad dressing.

Yogurt: Adds a tangy punch to your dressing.

White vinegar: Gives your dressing a bit of acidity for balance.

Sugar: Slightly sweetens your dressing.

One reader, Clifford Su says:

This rainbow broccoli salad recipe is a game-changer! The vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it a hit at every gathering. The combination of crunchy veggies, tangy dressing, and savory bacon bits is simply irresistible. It's a healthy and delicious dish that everyone will love.

Clifford Su

Techniques Required for Making Rainbow Broccoli Salad

How to prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop the broccoli, red and yellow peppers, carrots, and purple cabbage into bite-sized pieces.

How to make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yogurt, white vinegar, and sugar. Mix until well combined.

How to garnish: Sprinkle the reserved bacon bits on top of the salad before serving.

How to refrigerate: Place the prepared salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

How To Make Rainbow Broccoli Salad

Bring color to your greens with this colorful broccoli salad recipe! It’s packed with crunchy carrots, cabbage, and more in a creamy mayo-yogurt dressing.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking:

Chill Time: 1 hour

Total: 1 hour 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1broccoli head
1red pepper,diced
1yellow pepper,diced
¾cupcheddar cheese,diced
¾cupcarrots,shredded or julienned
1cuppurple cabbage,chopped
¼cupred onion,sliced
¼cupbacon bits

For Dressing:

¾cupmayonnaise
¼cupyogurt
2tbspwhite vinegar
¼cupsugar

Instructions

Toss the broccoli, red and yellow peppers, carrots, cabbage, onion, cheese, and bacon in a large bowl, setting aside 1 tablespoon bacon bits for garnish.
Combine the mayonnaise, yogurt, vinegar, and sugar in a small bowl, then pour onto the vegetables. Toss to combine.
Garnish with reserved bacon bits. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.
Serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 236.68kcal
Fat: 18.45g
Saturated Fat: 4.48g
Trans Fat: 0.12g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4.78g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 8.34g
Carbohydrates: 13.29g
Fiber: 2.51g
Sugar: 7.78g
Protein: 5.88g
Cholesterol: 20.67mg
Sodium: 258.39mg
Calcium: 114.15mg
Potassium: 345.82mg
Iron: 0.75mg
Vitamin A: 148.78µg
Vitamin C: 109.50mg

Helpful Technique for Preparing Rainbow Broccoli Salad

When preparing your broccoli for this salad, make sure to cut it into small, bite-sized florets. This not only makes the salad easier to eat, but also allows the dressing to coat each piece more evenly, resulting in a more flavorful dish. Additionally, when cutting your red and yellow peppers, try to slice them as thinly as possible. This will give your salad a nice crunch and a pop of color.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Salad Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop and prepare all the vegetables and ingredients in advance to save time when assembling the salad.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheddar cheese to eliminate the need for grating, saving you time and effort.

Multi-task: While the salad is chilling in the refrigerator, use that time to work on other meal prep or kitchen tasks to maximize efficiency.

Invest in a food processor: A food processor can quickly chop and shred vegetables, making the prep work for this salad a breeze.

Organize your workspace: Before you start, make sure your workspace is organized and all the necessary ingredients and tools are easily accessible to streamline the cooking process.

Substitute Ingredients For Rainbow Broccoli Salad Recipe

broccoli head - Substitute with cauliflower: Cauliflower can be used as a substitute for broccoli in this recipe as it has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a great alternative for those who may not enjoy broccoli.
red pepper - Substitute with orange pepper: Orange peppers can be used as a substitute for red peppers, providing a similar sweet and crunchy texture while adding a vibrant color to the salad.
yellow pepper - Substitute with green pepper: Green peppers can be used as a substitute for yellow peppers, offering a slightly different flavor profile while still providing a colorful addition to the salad.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with gouda cheese: Gouda cheese can be used as a substitute for cheddar, offering a rich and creamy flavor with a slightly nutty undertone, adding a delicious twist to the salad.
carrots - Substitute with jicama: Jicama can be used as a substitute for carrots, providing a similar crunchy texture and a slightly sweet flavor, adding a refreshing element to the salad.
purple cabbage - Substitute with green cabbage: Green cabbage can be used as a substitute for purple cabbage, offering a similar crunchy texture and a slightly milder flavor, while still providing a colorful addition to the salad.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for red onions, offering a milder and sweeter flavor, while still providing a subtle onion taste to the salad.
bacon bits - Substitute with smoked almonds: Smoked almonds can be used as a substitute for bacon bits, providing a crunchy and smoky flavor, adding a delicious nuttiness to the salad.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for mayonnaise, offering a creamy and tangy base for the dressing, while reducing the overall fat content.
yogurt - Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream can be used as a substitute for yogurt, providing a rich and tangy flavor to the dressing, while maintaining a creamy texture.
white vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for white vinegar, offering a slightly sweeter and fruitier flavor to the dressing.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a substitute for sugar, providing a natural sweetness to the dressing while adding a subtle floral note.

Best Way to Present Rainbow Broccoli Salad

Elevate the plating: Arrange the rainbow broccoli salad in a visually appealing manner, ensuring a balance of colors and textures on the plate.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce delicate, vibrant edible flowers to add a touch of elegance and a pop of color to the dish.
Utilize microgreens: Garnish the salad with carefully placed microgreens to enhance the overall presentation and provide a fresh, refined look.
Opt for a minimalist approach: Embrace a minimalist plating style, allowing the vibrant colors of the salad ingredients to take center stage without overwhelming the dish.
Focus on precision: Pay close attention to the placement of each component, ensuring meticulous attention to detail in the presentation of the rainbow broccoli salad.
Embrace asymmetry: Create an artful, asymmetrical arrangement of the salad components, showcasing a modern and sophisticated plating style.
Incorporate geometric elements: Introduce geometric patterns or shapes using the salad components to add visual interest and a contemporary flair to the presentation.
Highlight the freshness: Emphasize the freshness of the ingredients by presenting the rainbow broccoli salad in a manner that evokes a sense of nature and vitality.

Essential Tools for Making This Salad Recipe

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for quickly preparing vegetables and other ingredients for the salad.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining all the ingredients together, allowing for easy tossing and coating with the dressing.
Chef's knife: A sharp chef's knife is necessary for cutting the broccoli, peppers, carrots, and other vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe and stable surface for chopping and preparing the vegetables.
Grater: A grater is useful for grating the cheddar cheese and adding it to the salad.
Small bowl: A small bowl is needed for mixing the mayonnaise, yogurt, vinegar, and sugar to create the dressing.
Whisk: A whisk is helpful for thoroughly combining the dressing ingredients until smooth and well blended.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurately measuring the ingredients, including the cheese, bacon bits, and dressing components, is important for the salad's balance and flavor.

Storing and Freezing Rainbow Broccoli Salad

To store the rainbow broccoli salad, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together and intensify over time, making it even more delicious.
If you want to keep the salad crisp and fresh, store the dressing separately from the vegetables and bacon bits. Combine them just before serving to prevent the broccoli and other ingredients from becoming soggy.
For longer storage, you can freeze the rainbow broccoli salad for up to 2 months. However, keep in mind that the texture of the vegetables may change slightly after thawing, and the dressing might separate.
To freeze the salad, place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container with the date and contents for easy reference.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen rainbow broccoli salad, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. If the dressing has separated, give it a good stir before serving.
If you prefer to keep the vegetables and dressing separate for freezing, store them in individual freezer-safe containers or bags. This way, you can easily combine them when you're ready to serve the salad.

Interesting Fact About Rainbow Broccoli Salad

Broccoli salad is a versatile dish that can be customized with a variety of ingredients, making it a colorful and nutritious addition to any meal.

Is Making Rainbow Broccoli Salad at Home Cost-Effective?

This rainbow broccoli salad recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as broccoli, peppers, cheese, and bacon bits, are affordable and readily available. The versatility of the ingredients also allows for easy substitution based on budget and preference. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15. The vibrant colors and flavors of this salad make it a delightful addition to any meal. I rate this recipe a solid 9 for its affordability and delicious outcome.

Is This Salad Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This rainbow broccoli salad recipe is a nutritious and colorful dish that packs a variety of vitamins and minerals. The broccoli, peppers, carrots, and purple cabbage provide a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, and folate. The cheddar cheese adds calcium and protein to the mix, while the bacon bits contribute a savory flavor.

However, the dressing, which consists of mayonnaise, yogurt, vinegar, and sugar, may be a cause for concern. Mayonnaise is high in fat and calories, and the added sugar can contribute to excessive calorie intake. While the yogurt provides some protein and calcium, it may not be enough to offset the less healthy aspects of the dressing.

To make this salad even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of mayonnaise in the dressing and replace it with more yogurt or a healthier alternative like mashed avocado or hummus
Opt for a low-fat or reduced-fat cheddar cheese to decrease the overall fat content
Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon to lower the saturated fat and calories
Add more nutrient-dense ingredients like cherry tomatoes, sliced almonds, or sunflower seeds for extra flavor and texture
Experiment with different dressing options, such as a honey mustard or balsamic vinaigrette, to reduce the reliance on mayonnaise and sugar

Editor's Opinion on Rainbow Broccoli Salad Recipe

This rainbow broccoli salad recipe is a delightful combination of fresh and colorful ingredients. The crisp broccoli, sweet peppers, sharp cheddar, and savory bacon create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The creamy dressing adds a luscious touch, tying everything together beautifully. It's a perfect dish for a summer gathering or a light and refreshing meal. The balance of sweet, tangy, and savory elements makes this salad a standout addition to any menu.

Enhance Your Rainbow Broccoli Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mango Salsa: A refreshing and tangy mango salsa with a hint of spice to complement the rainbow broccoli salad.

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy and flavorful grilled chicken skewers marinated in a zesty herb and garlic marinade to pair perfectly with the rainbow broccoli salad.

Berry Spinach Salad: A light and refreshing berry spinach salad with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing to balance out the flavors of the rainbow broccoli salad.

Similar Recipes to Rainbow Broccoli Salad

Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers: Combine ground beef, rice, tomatoes, and spices to stuff bell peppers, then bake until tender and delicious.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo: Cook chicken in a creamy Alfredo sauce, then toss with fettuccine for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips: Mix together diced fruits like strawberries, kiwi, and apples with a hint of lime juice, then serve with homemade cinnamon sugar tortilla chips for a refreshing and sweet snack.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Rainbow Broccoli Salad

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your taste buds with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a rich and creamy mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Caprese Skewers: Indulge in the freshness of these Caprese skewers, featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with a balsamic glaze. A colorful and flavorful starter to impress your guests.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Delight in a creamy and luscious strawberry cheesecake, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a vibrant strawberry topping. Each bite is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors.

Why trust this Rainbow Broccoli Salad Recipe:

This rainbow broccoli salad recipe is a delightful and nutritious dish that will surely impress your taste buds. The fresh broccoli, vibrant peppers, and crunchy carrots are packed with essential nutrients. The addition of savory cheddar cheese and crispy bacon bits adds a delightful contrast of flavors and textures. The creamy mayonnaise and tangy yogurt dressing perfectly complements the colorful vegetables, creating a harmonious blend of tastes. With the careful selection of ingredients and a well-balanced dressing, this recipe guarantees a delightful and satisfying dining experience.

Share your thoughts on the Rainbow Broccoli Salad Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section and let us know if you have any tips or variations to make this colorful dish even more delicious!

FAQ:

How can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

To make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the bacon bits. You can also consider adding some toasted nuts or seeds for added texture and flavor.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely make this salad ahead of time. In fact, it's even better after it has had some time for the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?

If you prefer not to use mayonnaise, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise alternative. This will still give the dressing a creamy texture and a tangy flavor.

How long will the leftovers last in the refrigerator?

The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle at the bottom.

Can I customize the vegetables in this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. You can add or substitute with vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or even some blanched green beans. The key is to keep it colorful and crunchy!