This vibrant, crunchy broccoli and cheddar salad truly lives up to its name as “The Best Salad in the World.” With fresh veggies, sharp cheddar, and savory cured sausage, this salad is full of exciting textures and flavors. The creamy, tangy dressing brings it all together, balancing sweet and savory notes with a hint of red wine vinegar. It’s the perfect side dish for picnics, potlucks, or any meal where you want to impress with something a bit unexpected and utterly delicious!
Dressing Ingredients
- 160 ml mayonnaise (for extra creaminess, substitute with a heaping tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2–3 tablespoons red wine vinegar (add more as needed for a pourable consistency)
Salad Ingredients
- 1 head of broccoli, chopped into very small florets (stems reserved for another use)
- 1 bell pepper, diced small (color of your choice)
- 1/4 red onion, diced small
- 1–2 carrots, shredded
- 1/2 cup (about 60–80 g) Cheddar cheese or cheese of choice, coarsely grated
- 2–4 ounces (about 60–115 g) good quality salami, summer sausage, or similar cured sausage, cut into slices and quartered
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, black pepper, and salt. Gradually add the red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, diced bell pepper, red onion, shredded carrots, grated cheese, and sliced sausage.
- Combine and Toss: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything well to ensure an even coating of the dressing. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the veggies absorb the dressing.
- Serve: Give the salad a quick toss before serving. Savor it either cold or at ambient temperature to fully appreciate its delightful flavors.
Conclusion
This Ultimate Broccoli and Cheddar Salad is more than just a side dish—it’s a flavorful and refreshing addition to any meal that brings together crisp veggies, creamy cheese, and a deliciously tangy dressing. The savory sausage adds a satisfying depth that balances perfectly with the light sweetness of the dressing. It’s ideal for gatherings or as a make-ahead meal, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it might just be the best salad in the world.
Ultimate Broccoli and Cheddar Salad with Creamy Tangy Dressing
Ingredients
Dressing Ingredients
- 160 ml mayonnaise for extra creaminess, substitute with a heaping tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 2 –3 tablespoons red wine vinegar add more as needed for a pourable consistency
Salad Ingredients
- 1 head of broccoli chopped into very small florets (stems reserved for another use)
- 1 bell pepper diced small (color of your choice)
- 1/4 red onion diced small
- 1 –2 carrots shredded
- 1/2 cup about 60–80 g Cheddar cheese or cheese of choice, coarsely grated
- 2 –4 ounces about 60–115 g good quality salami, summer sausage, or similar cured sausage, cut into slices and quartered
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, black pepper, and salt. Gradually add the red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, diced bell pepper, red onion, shredded carrots, grated cheese, and sliced sausage.
- Combine and Toss: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything well to ensure an even coating of the dressing. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the veggies absorb the dressing.
- Serve: Give the salad a quick toss before serving. Savor it either cold or at ambient temperature to fully appreciate its delightful flavors.