A super yummy combination of fresh broccoli, mandarin oranges, bacon, craisins, and toasted almonds and the tangy, sweet dressing is fabulous!

There’s something inherently captivating about a well-made broccoli salad. For many, it’s more than just a side dish; it’s a culinary experience that beckons with its irresistible crunch, vibrant flavors, and satisfying textures. This isn’t just any broccoli salad, though. This Mandarin Broccoli Salad offers a delightful departure from the ordinary, introducing a captivating blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes that will undoubtedly make it a staple in your recipe collection.

If you’re anything like me, the mere mention of broccoli salad sends shivers of anticipation down your spine. It’s a dish that commands attention at any gathering, drawing people to the salad bar with its fresh appeal. And because one incredible broccoli salad simply isn’t enough, I’m thrilled to share this exceptional recipe that provides a refreshing new option for all my fellow broccoli salad enthusiasts.

Why This Mandarin Broccoli Salad Stands Out

This particular broccoli salad recipe is a true marvel. It’s generously packed with an abundance of fresh, crisp broccoli florets, bursting with green goodness. The addition of succulent mandarin oranges brings a bright, citrusy sweetness, perfectly complemented by the salty, smoky crunch of plenty of crispy bacon. Chewy craisins add another layer of sweetness and a hint of tartness, while perfectly toasted slivered almonds provide an irresistible nutty crunch. Each spoonful is a symphony of textures and flavors.

However, the real magic of this salad lies within its dressing. Far from being a mere afterthought, this creamy, sweet, and tangy dressing elevates every ingredient it touches. It’s not your average store-bought dressing; it’s a homemade creation that begins with a simple cooked mixture, cooled slightly, and then enriched with either creamy plain yogurt or classic mayonnaise. This unique cooking method gives the dressing a depth of flavor and velvety texture that truly sets this salad apart.

The Secret to Ultimate Flavor: Chilling Time

While the salad is undeniably delicious immediately after preparation, resisting the urge to dig in right away is key to unlocking its full potential. The dressed salad truly benefits from a patient chill in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours. This crucial resting period allows all the incredible flavors to meld and deepen, transforming a great salad into a spectacular one. The dressing has time to infuse into the broccoli, softening it slightly while maintaining its crispness, and the sweetness of the mandarins and craisins marries beautifully with the savory bacon and tangy dressing. Trust me, the wait is absolutely worth it for that perfect broccoli salad experience!

Mandarin Broccoli Salad Recipe

Mandarin Broccoli Salad

Yield:
6 Servings

Prep Time:
1 hr 20 mins

Cook Time:
10 mins

Total Time:
1 hr 30 mins

4.45 stars (20 ratings)

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Dressing:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• ¼ cup white wine or red wine vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• ¼ cup water
• ½ cup plain yogurt or mayonnaise

Salad:

• 4-5 cups broccoli florets, chopped
• 8 slices bacon, cooked, drained and chopped
• ½ cup slivered almonds, toasted
• ¼ – ½ cup finely diced red onion
• ½ cup craisins
• 1 (10-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained well

Instructions

• Prepare the Dressing: In a medium saucepan, combine the eggs, cornstarch, vinegar, salt, sugar, dry mustard, and water. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, continuously whisking to prevent scorching or lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture bubbles and visibly thickens to a consistency similar to pudding. It’s crucial not to overheat or stop whisking during this stage to ensure a smooth, uniform dressing without any cooked egg bits.
• Cool the Dressing: Once the desired thickness is reached, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the dressing to cool for approximately 10 minutes. After this initial cooling, stir in the plain yogurt or mayonnaise, incorporating it completely. Let the dressing cool down completely to room temperature before adding it to the salad. This step is vital for the dressing’s final texture and to prevent wilting of the fresh ingredients.
• Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the prepared salad ingredients: the chopped broccoli florets, crispy cooked bacon, toasted slivered almonds, finely diced red onion, craisins, and well-drained mandarin oranges. Pour the cooled dressing over the salad ingredients.
• Toss and Chill: Gently toss all the ingredients together until every piece of broccoli and every component is lightly coated with the creamy dressing. Once tossed, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours. This chilling period allows the flavors to deepen and meld, resulting in a perfectly balanced and incredibly delicious salad. Serve cold and enjoy!

Author:
Mel

Course:
Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine:
American

Method:
Stovetop, No Bake

Nutrition Facts

Serving:
1 Serving
,

Calories:
343kcal
,

Carbohydrates:
35g
,

Protein:
11g
,

Fat:
19g
,

Saturated Fat:
5g
,

Cholesterol:
84mg
,

Sodium:
347mg
,

Fiber:
4g
,

Sugar:
26g

Recommended Products

Cookware

Wire Whisk

Salad/Serving Bowl

Recipe Source: This recipe has been lovingly adapted slightly from a cherished family cookbook lent to me by my friend, Sunny D. My adaptations included adding a touch of salt, subtly reducing the sugar content, and opting for plain yogurt to achieve a lighter profile while retaining the creamy texture (you can also use mayonnaise if preferred). These spiral-bound family cookbooks are such a treasure, even when you’re not related to the original contributors – they’re full of culinary inspiration!

Tips for the Best Mandarin Broccoli Salad

• **Fresh Broccoli is Key:** Always use fresh, firm broccoli. Chop the florets into bite-sized pieces for easy eating and even distribution of dressing.
• **Toast Your Almonds:** Don’t skip toasting the slivered almonds! This step brings out their nutty flavor and adds an extra layer of crunch that raw almonds just can’t match.
• **Crispy Bacon, Please:** Ensure your bacon is cooked to a perfect crisp. Soggy bacon can detract from the texture of the salad. Pat it dry after cooking to remove excess grease.
• **Drain Mandarins Well:** If using canned mandarin oranges, make sure they are thoroughly drained. Excess liquid can thin out your delicious dressing.
• **Uniform Dicing for Red Onion:** Finely dice the red onion so its pungent flavor integrates smoothly without overpowering other ingredients.
• **Don’t Rush the Dressing:** Whisk the dressing constantly while cooking to prevent lumps and ensure a silky-smooth consistency. Let it cool completely before mixing it with the salad to avoid wilting the fresh broccoli.
• **The Chilling is Non-Negotiable:** As mentioned, refrigerating the salad for 1-2 hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the dressing to penetrate the ingredients, resulting in a more harmonious and delicious experience.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Mandarin Broccoli Salad is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic addition to almost any meal or gathering. It’s the quintessential potluck dish, a vibrant side for your next BBQ, or a refreshing accompaniment to a weeknight dinner.

• **Perfect Pairings:** Serve it alongside grilled chicken, roasted pork tenderloin, flaky baked salmon, or simple sandwiches and wraps for a complete meal. Its bright flavors complement rich main courses beautifully.
• **Make it a Meal:** For a lighter lunch, add some grilled shrimp or shredded rotisserie chicken directly into the salad to transform it into a more substantial main course.
• **Customize Your Crunch:** Feel free to experiment with other nuts like pecans or walnuts, or add a sprinkle of sunflower seeds for a different nutty note.
• **Sweet & Tart Additions:** If you love dried fruits, consider adding a mix of dried cranberries and golden raisins for varied sweetness and chewiness.
• **Add a Touch of Cheese:** While this recipe omits cheese, a little crumbled feta or shredded cheddar could be a delicious addition if you’re a cheese lover.

Storage Tips

This Mandarin Broccoli Salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days after preparation. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. While it remains tasty, the broccoli will gradually soften, and the texture will change slightly over time. For optimal freshness and crunch, aim to consume it within two days.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, contributing to a potluck, or simply looking for a fresh and flavorful side dish to brighten your dinner table, this Mandarin Broccoli Salad is an absolute winner. Its delightful blend of fresh broccoli, sweet mandarins, savory bacon, and a creamy, tangy dressing makes it an unforgettable culinary experience. Give this recipe a try and prepare to fall in love with your new favorite broccoli salad!