If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, crunchy, and vibrant side that will brighten up your meal, this Broccoli Salad with Sour Cream Dressing Recipe is an absolute winner. It brings together crisp broccoli florets, smoky bacon, toasted almonds, and a tangy, creamy dressing that’s so satisfying you’ll want to make it again and again. This salad balances textures and flavors beautifully, making it an effortless favorite for picnics, dinner parties, or everyday dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Broccoli Salad with Sour Cream Dressing Recipe has a role to play, whether it’s adding crunch, creaminess, or a touch of zest. Using fresh broccoli and quality sour cream makes all the difference, while toasted almonds and crispy bacon elevate the texture to a whole new level. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:
- Broccoli: Using fresh heads broken into small florets ensures perfect crunch and color that pop in your salad.
- Lean bacon: Adds a savory, smoky punch and a crispy texture contrast.
- Flaked almonds: Toasted to golden perfection for nuttiness and extra crunch.
- Shallots or scallions: Provide a gentle onion bite that brightens every bite.
- Sour cream: The creamy base for the dressing—low fat works beautifully for a lighter touch.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Brings richness and silky mouthfeel to the dressing.
- Garlic powder or minced garlic: For a subtle hint of savory depth.
- Apple cider or white wine vinegar: Adds the necessary tang to balance creaminess.
- Milk: Adjusts the dressing consistency perfectly—smooth but not runny.
- Dijon mustard: Lends a slight sharpness that wakes up the flavors.
- White sugar: Just a touch to balance acidity and round out the dressing.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all components together.
How to Make Broccoli Salad with Sour Cream Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sour Cream Dressing
Start by combining sour cream, olive oil, garlic powder, vinegar, milk, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Give it a good whisk until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, let it sit for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to marry and deepen, taste-testing to adjust seasoning as needed. Adding milk little by little helps you get just the right pourable consistency.
Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli Florets
Break your broccoli into manageable, bite-sized florets. Blanch them quickly in boiling water or steam until tender but still crisp—think bright green and slightly firm, never mushy. Drain well and run cold water over them immediately to halt cooking. Shaking the broccoli in a colander helps release excess water. This step keeps your salad fresh and avoids unwanted sogginess.
Step 3: Toast the Almonds
Toast the flaked almonds in a dry non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until they’re a warm golden brown. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this point is amazing. Remove and set them aside to cool, so they retain their crunch and nutty flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Bacon
In the same skillet, crisp the chopped bacon over high heat. When it reaches a golden, crunchy stage, transfer using a slotted spoon onto paper towels to absorb the extra fat. This smoky, crunchy bacon will add perfect seasoning and texture to your salad.
Step 5: Combine and Toss the Salad
Finally, toss together the blanched broccoli, toasted almonds, chopped shallots, and crispy bacon in a large bowl. Drizzle your beautifully blended sour cream dressing over everything and toss gently but thoroughly. This ensures every bite gets that perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your vibrant broccoli salad to a serving bowl and get ready to wow your guests or family. This Broccoli Salad with Sour Cream Dressing Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or can stand as a colorful accompaniment on its own.
How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Sour Cream Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
To take your broccoli salad to the next level, consider sprinkling extra toasted almonds or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top just before serving. A few crispy bacon bits reserved for the garnish add eye-catching appeal and an irresistible aroma.
Side Dishes
This salad shines alongside protein-rich mains like oven-baked pork chops, grilled chicken breasts, or even a juicy steak. It also complements a vegetarian meal beautifully by adding fresh crunch and creaminess, balancing flavors plate-wide.
Creative Ways to Present
For a creative twist, serve your broccoli salad in individual mason jars layered with dressing at the bottom followed by broccoli and toppings. Another fun idea is to scoop it onto toasted baguette slices for a tasty snack or appetizer that’s bursting with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your broccoli salad keeps well in the fridge for up to two days if stored in an airtight container. Because of the sour cream dressing, it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a short time frame to maintain the perfect texture and taste.
Freezing
This Broccoli Salad with Sour Cream Dressing Recipe isn’t ideal for freezing, as the fresh broccoli and creamy dressing tend to separate and lose their crispness after thawing. Fresh is definitely best here.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Simply give it a gentle stir after pulling it out of the fridge to refresh the texture before serving again cold.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
While fresh broccoli gives the best crunch and color in this salad, you could use frozen broccoli if you thaw and drain it thoroughly first. Just be aware it may not hold the same crisp texture after blanching and cooling.
What can I substitute for sour cream in the dressing?
If you want a different base, Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a tangy, creamy substitute and keeps the dressing light and flavorful.
How do I make the salad vegan?
Simply swap the bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon and replace sour cream with a vegan yogurt alternative, and you have a delicious plant-based version that still packs plenty of flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Chopped red bell pepper, shredded carrots, or cherry tomatoes can add color and freshness. Just be mindful not to overpower the broccoli’s delicate flavor.
How soon should I serve the broccoli salad after making it?
It’s best served within a couple of hours after tossing with the dressing to keep the broccoli crisp and the flavors fresh. You can prepare and refrigerate the components separately to toss together just before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Salad with Sour Cream Dressing Recipe has become a go-to favorite whenever I need a side that’s easy, vibrant, and bursting with fresh flavor. It’s one of those dishes that everyone loves and keeps asking for more. If you want to brighten your next meal or impress guests without tons of effort, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
