When the summer heat is on, there’s something about a cool, crunchy salad that just hits the spot. But not just any salad—I’m talking about the Brenda Gantt Broccoli Salad Recipe. This dish is a family favorite that brings together the fresh, crispiness of broccoli with the savory crunch of bacon, the sweetness of raisins, and a tangy dressing that ties it all together.
Fun fact, my husband & kids don’t like Broccoli salad at all but they never say because they love me sooo much
If you’ve ever found yourself craving something hearty yet refreshing, this broccoli salad recipe is exactly what you need. It’s perfect for any season, whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or a cozy winter dinner. Let’s dive into why this salad is so special and how you can make it at home.
Why Is Brenda Gantt Broccoli Salad Better Than Others?
Brenda Gantt’s Broccoli Salad stands out because it’s made with real, fresh ingredients and a whole lot of love. Unlike other versions that might rely on shortcuts like store-bought bacon bits, Brenda insists on frying up crispy, flavorful bacon from scratch.
Plus, she adds a personal touch with ingredients like purple onions, pecans, and dark raisins, all mixed into a sweet and tangy dressing that she crafts herself. The result is a salad that’s not just delicious but also packed with the perfect blend of crunch, sweetness, and savory goodness.
It’s these little details that make Brenda’s broccoli salad so special, ensuring that every bite is full of authentic Southern flavor.
How To Make This Brenda Gantt Broccoli Salad Recipe
Making Brenda Gantt’s Broccoli Salad is a breeze. It involves simple steps like chopping fresh ingredients, frying up some bacon, and whipping up a quick, flavorful dressing. This salad comes together in no time and is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 head of broccoli (or 1 package of fresh broccoli)
- 1/2 large purple onion (thinly sliced)
- 6 slices of bacon (fried until crispy and crumbled)
- 1/2 cup raisins (dark raisins preferred)
- 3/4 to 1 cup pecans (roughly chopped)
- 4 heaping tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (white vinegar is preferred, but rice vinegar can be used)
Step by Step Salad Making Instructions
Step 01: Prepare the Broccoli
Start by washing the broccoli thoroughly under cold water. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces, trimming down any large florets. You want pieces small enough to be easily eaten in a single bite but still substantial enough to provide that satisfying crunch. Place the cut broccoli in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Slice the Onion
Next, take half of a large purple onion and slice it into thin slivers. If your onion is on the smaller side, you can use the whole thing. The sharpness of the purple onion adds a nice contrast to the salad’s sweetness. Add the sliced onion to the bowl with the broccoli.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
Bacon is the star of this salad, adding that savory, smoky flavor we all love. Fry up 6 slices of bacon until they are perfectly crispy. Once cooked, let the bacon cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces. Add these delicious crumbles to the bowl with the broccoli and onions.
Step 4: Add the Raisins
Now it’s time to add a touch of sweetness. Measure out 1/2 cup of dark raisins and toss them into the salad. If you prefer a bit more sweetness, feel free to add a few extra raisins. The raisins balance the saltiness of the bacon and the tanginess of the dressing beautifully.
Step 5: Chop the Pecans
For some extra crunch, roughly chop 3/4 to 1 cup of pecans. These nuts bring a lovely earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients. Add the chopped pecans to your salad mixture.
Step 6: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, it’s time to whip up the dressing. Mix together 4 heaping tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Stir until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
The mayonnaise gives the dressing its creamy texture, while the sugar and vinegar add a sweet-tangy kick. If you don’t have white vinegar, you can substitute it with rice vinegar or whatever you have on hand.
Step 7: Combine the Salad
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Use a large spoon to toss everything together until the broccoli, onions, bacon, raisins, and pecans are well coated. Make sure the dressing is evenly distributed so that each bite is packed with flavor. Once everything is well mixed, your broccoli salad is ready to serve.
Recipe Tips
- Cut the Broccoli Small: Ensure that the broccoli is cut into bite-sized pieces so that it’s easy to eat and mixes well with the other ingredients.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, and crunchy pecans are key to making this salad taste its best.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, add a bit more sugar.
- Crispy Bacon: Fry the bacon until it’s really crispy. The crispier the bacon, the better the texture it adds to the salad.
What Can Serve with This Broccoli Salad?
Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or even a hearty soup. It’s also an excellent companion to Southern classics like cornbread, fried chicken, or pork chops. The salad’s fresh and crunchy texture balances out richer, heavier dishes, making it a versatile side that fits into almost any meal.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prep Ingredients Separately: You can chop the broccoli, slice the onions, and fry the bacon a day before. Store them separately in the refrigerator.
- Assemble Later: Mix the ingredients and the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
- Dressing Storage: You can make the dressing a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a good stir before adding it to the salad.
Leftover and Storage
- Refrigerate: Store the leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days.
- Revive the Crunch: The salad might lose some of its crunch after a day or two. To bring back the crispiness, consider adding a few fresh broccoli florets or a handful of new pecans before serving again.
- Avoid Freezing: This salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well due to the mayonnaise-based dressing and fresh vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of onion?
Yes, if you don’t have purple onion, you can use a yellow or white onion, but the flavor will be milder. Purple onions add a nice sharpness and color to the salad.
Is there a substitute for pecans?
Use walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds as a substitute for pecans. Each will add its own unique flavor and texture.
Do I really need to use dark raisins?
Yes, dark raisins add a richer, sweeter flavor to the salad. However, if you only have golden raisins, they’ll work too, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I leave out the pecans if I have a nut allergy?
If you have a nut allergy, you can omit the pecans. The salad will still be delicious, but it will lack the crunch that the pecans provide. Consider adding sunflower seeds or another crunchy alternative if you can tolerate them.
Brenda Gantt Broccoli Salad Recipe
This Brenda Gantt's Broccoli Salad Recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make salad dish that combines fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, sweet raisins, and crunchy pecans, all tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing. Perfect for any meal, this salad adds a burst of flavor and texture that's sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 head of broccoli (or 1 package of fresh broccoli)
- 1/2 large purple onion (thinly sliced)
- 6 slices of bacon (fried until crispy and crumbled)
- 1/2 cup raisins (dark raisins preferred)
- 3/4 to 1 cup pecans (roughly chopped)
- 4 heaping tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (white vinegar is preferred, but rice vinegar can be used)
Instructions
- Start by washing the broccoli thoroughly under cold water. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces, trimming down any large florets. You want pieces small enough to be easily eaten in a single bite but still substantial enough to provide that satisfying crunch. Place the cut broccoli in a large mixing bowl.
- Next, take half of a large purple onion and slice it into thin slivers. If your onion is on the smaller side, you can use the whole thing. The sharpness of the purple onion adds a nice contrast to the salad's sweetness. Add the sliced onion to the bowl with the broccoli.
- Bacon is the star of this salad, adding that savory, smoky flavor we all love. Fry up 6 slices of bacon until they are perfectly crispy. Once cooked, let the bacon cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces. Add these delicious crumbles to the bowl with the broccoli and onions.
- Now it’s time to add a touch of sweetness. Measure out 1/2 cup of dark raisins and toss them into the salad. If you prefer a bit more sweetness, feel free to add a few extra raisins. The raisins balance the saltiness of the bacon and the tanginess of the dressing beautifully.
- For some extra crunch, roughly chop 3/4 to 1 cup of pecans. These nuts bring a lovely earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients. Add the chopped pecans to your salad mixture.
- In a separate bowl, it’s time to whip up the dressing. Mix together 4 heaping tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Stir until the dressing is smooth and well combined. The mayonnaise gives the dressing its creamy texture, while the sugar and vinegar add a sweet-tangy kick. If you don’t have white vinegar, you can substitute it with rice vinegar or whatever you have on hand.
- Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Use a large spoon to toss everything together until the broccoli, onions, bacon, raisins, and pecans are well coated. Make sure the dressing is evenly distributed so that each bite is packed with flavor. Once everything is well mixed, your broccoli salad is ready to serve.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: Approximately 4-6 servingsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 400Total Fat: 25gCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 5gSugar: 20gProtein: 10g
The nutrition information provided below is estimated using an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered medical advice or guaranteed to be accurate. Please consult a professional for any dietary needs or restrictions.
Final Words
The Brenda Gantt Broccoli Salad Recipe is more than just a salad. It’s a mix of flavors and textures that brings comfort and joy. It’s perfect for summer picnics or holiday feasts, and it’s sure to be a hit.
It’s easy to prepare and tastes great, making it a favorite dish. So, why not give it a try? Gather your ingredients and follow the steps. Treat your family to a salad that’s both nourishing and delicious.
It’s simple to make and you’ll feel proud to serve it. This dish is full of Southern charm and flavor. It’s a must-try for any meal.
