Monday, June 17, 2013

Better than Average Broccoli Salad -- and a Blog-cation


Broccoli salads have become pretty standard fare at summer picnics and parties, sharing the classic rung with the likewise ubiquitous macaroni, pasta and potato salads. And there's nothing wrong with the classics . . . but every once in a while, I itch for just a little twist that makes people go, "Hmmmm . . . . what's in here?"

I was inspired to break out of my broccoli-salad-comfort-zone by "The Meaning of Pie," one of my favorite food blogs. Kelly Yandell has a knack for making ordinary things special . . . and photographs everything so well. Please pay a visit.

Often, you'll find broccoli salads swimming in a creamy mayonnaise dressing and laden with cheese and bacon. (Who doesn't love bacon?)  This version has bacon but a more spare coating of dressing,.a tang from fruit juice, crunch from nuts and onion, and a touch of sweet from cranberries.

The salad that inspired Kelly, she shares, came from her Aunt Jane, who used yogurt in the dressing, but Kelly opted for sour cream because that's what she had on hand. I love a recipe, and the cook, that is flexible enough to take advantage of what's in the refrigerator and pantry.



Better-than-Average Broccoli Salad
only slightly adapted from The Meaning of Pie

4 cups fresh broccoli florets, stems copped and florets cut into tiny pieces
6 slices of bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
2 stalks of green onion, chopped fine
1 cup dried cranberries

For the dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain Greek-style yogurt
3 tablespoons apple juice
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar

Cut the broccoli into small pieces, using both the florets and the the stems.

Combine the broccoli, almonds, cranberries and onion in a large bowl. In a small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients, combining well. Pour over the salad and mix. Keep refrigerated .

Makes about 6 servings. (Easily doubled!)

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Now -- about the blog-cation. I didn't plan to be absent, just happened. We've been busy remodeling. (See the barn wood in my pictures? It's from our old barn and is now siding our fireplace wall. And my kitchen is now painted a beautiful red, outfitted with new appliances. Lots going on; and not quite done.) And then there was the 10-day fishing trip to Canada. And then there was . . . well, you get the idea. Plus, I was feeling I had nothing interesting to write about and, in the midst of remodeling, couldn't find my stuff! Anyhow, I'm calmer now and back in the saddle. Thanks for visiting. Come back again soon!


23 comments:

  1. Welcome back Rosemary! I like your lightened up version broccoli salad, great for summer BBQ's!

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    1. Good to be back, Marie. One of these I just may take the WordPress leap like you. (Way too much spam these days.) Love your new look -- always love the food!

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  2. This post looks so tasty my friend, healthy and light :)

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

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    1. Even with bacon, it's a pretty healthy salad, you're right, GU.

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  3. Welcome back, Rosemary! You've been missed. Love your twist on this classic...one of my favorites!

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    1. Thanks, Liz . . . . I've missed this. And the salad is very good. Gotta give Kelly Yandell, from The Meaning of Pie, the credit for inspiring me.

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  4. Good to see you back. I'm usually not fond of standard picnic salads because they are often too bland. This looks like a tasty spin.

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    1. I think people do try to keep things simple (and bland) at big picnics so as not to offend some tender appetites. Me? I go for whatever's a little different first!

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  5. This looks so delicious! A really great twist on a classic dish. I love the very with sunflower seeds, mayo, cheese, sugar and vinegar. But this looks EVEN better. Thanks for the visit and the compliments on Grubarazzi. Let's make a pact that we visit each other more often. All of your dishes are always fabulous!

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  6. This looks delicious. I love that you use Greek yogurt...so much lighter than the recipes I'm used to seeing (and eating) Thank you for sharing and welcome back. So very good to see you!!!

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    1. Yes, it helps lighten it up and give a little tang. Anxious to hear your baby news, Monet!

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  7. I like the dressing made with Greek yogurt. The salad looks very fabulous, Rosemary.

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    1. I've been using a lot more of it . . it's great to marinate chicken thighs!

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    1. And a little bacon never hurts anyone, right, Marta?

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  9. I'm trying to get the girls to eat more broccoli - this could definitely help!!
    it looks wonderful :)
    Mary x

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    1. Funny, Mary, but all our grandkids love broccoli -- only one, the cook, really loves this salad!

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  10. Rosemary,

    I tasted my first bite of the traditional broccoli salad just a few years ago and it was (pardon the pun) love at first bite. I prepared one a few years ago and am so glad that you have shared a more, updated, jazzed-up-with-flavor version! Can't wait to try it! I love the idea of the old used wood for your fireplace. We wanted old used barn wood for our floors when we built our home and the price was prohibitive for the entire first floor -- so we purchase 'new' Georgia pine wood and went around and 'banged it up' with hammers and heavy chains to 'look' old. My father thought I had lost my mind; despite the fact that our 'aged' floor is what captures everyone's attention when they come into the house.

    So glad that you've been able to enjoy your life outside of blogging, but I find every one of your posts to be wonderful! And I love it when you stop by my little spot too!

    Enjoy summer!
    Roz

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    1. The barnwood not only looks great, Roz, but we have that little bit of pride in something that's ours! We also saved the wood on which is carved the date of when our barn was originally built -- 1896 -- just haven't decided where to put it! (I love this broccoli salad!)

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  11. Glad to see your back Rosemary after your fishing trip to my neck of the woods:D This does seem like a lighter more refreshing version of broccoli salad.

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    1. Although I really enjoy our annual Ontario trip, the prep, the travel, the post -- well, sometimes, it's exhausting. (And forced a blog-cation!)

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  12. this looks wonderful and I missed your posts although I must confess i struggle to keep up with everyone, have a lovely 4th of July

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I realize you don't have to take the time to comment . . . but it makes my day! So glad you decided to stay.