Broccoli Salad With Grapes

I remember my niece had told me about someone she knew who would invite her over for dinner and ONLY serve an entree, with NO side dishes or anything else. That just seems so wrong and so odd to me. I do not get this concept at all. When I have people over, I do the opposite, and serve a bunch of different side dishes. I NEVER want to run out of food, though in my kitchen, that will never happen. But then again, I do love to cook, and I am Jeanne, from “A Jeanne in the Kitchen”. 🙂

Side dishes help make the meal and make it memorable. Yesterday, I shared my smoky BBQ sauce and short ribs with you. Spicy, Smoky Slow-Cooked Short Ribs Today I will give you the recipe for the broccoli and grape salad I served alongside those ribs.

Broccoli Grape and Bacon Salad

Just like with any good recipe, there are many different versions out there. As always, there are too many good recipes and not nearly enough time to try them all. My motto though, is to never stop trying. 🙂 This cool and refreshing salad is loaded with healthy nutrients that will help cool you down on those hot dog days of summer, and will tickle those taste buds as well.

1 large head of broccoli cut into florets and blanched

1 cup mixed grapes, cut in 1/2

1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped

1/3 red onion, sliced very thin

4-5 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 TBSP apple cider vinegar

1/3 cup honey

1/4 tsp dry mustard

salt & pepper to taste

dash cayenne pepper – a dash is usually about 1/8 tsp

Cut the broccoli into small florets, and blanche them for about 5 minutes in boiling water. Drain and rinse in ice cold water immediately after, to stop the cooking process.

Once the broccoli is ready, toss it together with the grapes, bacon, pecans and red onions.

Combine the mayonnaise, seasonings, honey and apple cider vinegar, then use just what you need in the vegetable mixture. You don’t want to use too much or else the vegetables will be swimming in dressing.

Toss everything together and either serve right away or cover and refrigerate until you are ready to enjoy it with the meal.

You can vary this recipe by substituting cherries for the grapes, and/or using dried cranberries too. As I always say, don’t be afraid to play with your food. Have fun, be creative and see what happens.

Have a great day and make everyday great. Stay cool, stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.

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Author: ajeanneinthekitchen

I have worked in the restaurant and catering industry for over 35 years. I attended 2 culinary schools in Southern California, and have a degree in culinary arts from the Southern California School of Culinary Arts, as well as a few other degrees in other areas. I love to cook and I love to feed people.

22 thoughts on “Broccoli Salad With Grapes”

  2. That looks delicious! After workout or training for triathlon, it’s either fruits or vegetables that I get to eat for snack everyday! This could be a good snack for me though! Side dish it’s just side dish but you can’t go wrong with having side dish as a meal or a snack sometimes!

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      1. I would take it! My body just not like junk food very much so it’s not worth having potatoe chips or any food that’s been processed!

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