Description
A fresh and vibrant Strawberry Broccoli Salad featuring crisp broccoli florets, juicy strawberries, crunchy apples, and creamy Colby jack cheese, all tossed in a tangy, sweet poppy seed dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or light lunch, this salad combines crunchy textures and fruity flavors with toasted almonds for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 8 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 8 oz Colby jack cheese, cut into ½ inch cubes
- 2 Granny Smith apples, chopped
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, washed, pat-dried, and quartered
- ¼ cup slivered almonds, toasted
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons white vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, poppy seeds, mayonnaise, sugar, and white vinegar until smooth and well combined. Set the dressing aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss together fresh broccoli florets, chopped Granny Smith apples, and cubed Colby jack cheese. Mix gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss carefully to coat all pieces evenly without bruising the fruits.
- Incorporate Strawberries and Almonds: Gently fold in the quartered strawberries to preserve their shape and texture. Sprinkle toasted slivered almonds on top as a crunchy garnish.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for optimal freshness, or cover and chill for about one hour to allow the flavors to blend nicely before serving.
Notes
- Choose fresh, firm broccoli with dark green or slight purple florets, avoiding any yellow or brown spots.
- Wash and dry all produce in advance; using a salad spinner helps keep ingredients crisp.
- You can prepare the dressing ahead and store it in the fridge in a sealed jar for convenience.
- When using frozen broccoli or strawberries, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for better texture.
- Add dressing just before serving to maintain salad crispness and avoid sogginess.
- If apples are very juicy, pat dry with a paper towel before mixing to prevent excess moisture in the salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
