Broccoli and grapes may not seem like the most natural pairing at first, but trust me when I say that this delightful salad will surprise you with its unique combination of flavors.
The crisp, fresh broccoli and the sweet, juicy grapes come together in perfect harmony. Add in the creamy dressing and crunchy toasted almonds, and you’ve got a side dish that’s truly out-of-the-ordinary—perfect for a quick lunch or an easy potluck recipe that everyone will love.
This Broccoli & Grape Salad is the epitome of balance. The earthy, savory bite of raw broccoli is perfectly complemented by the sweet burst of grapes.
The dressing, made from creamy Greek yogurt and mayonnaise, pulls everything together, adding richness and tang.
Plus, the toasted almonds bring a satisfying crunch that makes this salad even more irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
This salad is not only delicious, but it also comes with plenty of health benefits. It’s high in fiber, packed with vitamins, and great for supporting healthy immunity.
It’s also soy-free, gluten-free, and vegetarian, making it suitable for many dietary preferences.
And the best part? It takes just 20 minutes to prep and makes about 4 servings—perfect for a family meal or a potluck.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this vibrant and healthy salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups very small broccoli florets – Fresh, crispy broccoli is the base of the salad, offering crunch and a burst of flavor.
- ½ cup chopped red onion – Adds a mild, slightly sweet sharpness to balance the salad.
- ¼ cup whole-milk plain Greek yogurt – For a creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavor.
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise – Adds richness and smoothness to the dressing.
- 1 ½ tablespoons cider vinegar – For a little tang to cut through the creaminess of the dressing.
- 1 ½ tablespoons honey – A touch of sweetness that balances the acidity from the vinegar and the tang of the yogurt.
- ½ teaspoon salt – To season the salad and enhance the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper – For a little kick and extra depth of flavor.
- 1 cup halved seedless red grapes – The sweet burst of grapes adds natural sweetness that complements the savory broccoli.
- ¼ cup toasted sliced almonds – For crunch and nuttiness.
How to Make Broccoli & Grape Salad
1. Blanch the Broccoli and Onion
Start by bringing a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and chopped red onion.
Cook them for about 2 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
This blanching process keeps the broccoli fresh and vibrant while softening it just enough to make it tender but still crisp.
2. Ice Water Bath
Once the broccoli and onion are cooked, quickly drain them and plunge them into a large bowl of ice water.
This helps stop the cooking process, ensuring that the broccoli remains crisp and bright green.
Let it sit for about 2 minutes, then drain and pat the mixture dry with a paper towel.
3. Prepare the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
This creates a smooth and creamy dressing with a perfect balance of tang, sweetness, and richness.
4. Combine Ingredients
Add the chilled broccoli and onion mixture into the bowl with the dressing.
Gently fold in the halved grapes and toasted almonds, making sure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the salad immediately. You’ll enjoy the contrast of textures and flavors—crunchy broccoli, sweet grapes, and creamy dressing all in one bite.
The toasted almonds add a satisfying crunch that will keep you coming back for more.
Make Ahead Tip:
If you need to prepare this salad in advance, it’s easy to do. You can refrigerate the salad and the dressing separately in airtight containers for up to 1 day.
When you’re ready to serve, just toss the salad ingredients with the dressing, and it’s ready to go!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 196
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 20g
- Protein: 5g
This Broccoli & Grape Salad is a wonderful way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor.
Whether you’re looking for a fresh side dish or something to bring to your next gathering, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Final Thoughts
Broccoli and grapes might seem like an unlikely pairing at first, but when combined with a creamy dressing and toasted almonds, this salad becomes an irresistible and healthy dish.
It’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or as a refreshing lunch. This recipe is simple, quick, and full of flavor, making it a go-to salad you can rely on whenever you’re in need of a light, healthy, and delicious side dish.
Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become one of your new favorites.
