If you’re looking for a salad that’s packed with flavor, texture, and everything you love about a fresh, crunchy meal, this Harvest Cobb Broccoli Salad is where it’s at! Imagine crisp broccoli, creamy avocado, savory bacon, and a delightful blend of roasted nuts, all brought together by a zesty dressing. It’s the kind of salad that can stand alone as a meal or be the perfect side for a barbecue, holiday dinner, or any gathering. Seriously, this salad is like a party in a bowl—full of vibrant colors and irresistible flavors. You won’t be able to stop at just one bite!
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Why You’ll Love Harvest Cobb Broccoli Salad
This salad isn’t just about looking good on the plate—it’s packed with amazing flavors and benefits. Here’s why it’ll quickly become your go-to:
Packed with Nutrients: Fresh broccoli, avocado, and plenty of other nutritious ingredients make this salad a powerhouse of vitamins, healthy fats, and protein.
Crunchy and Satisfying: The crispiness of the broccoli, crunchy nuts, and bacon creates a satisfying texture in every bite. You’ll love the contrast between the fresh veggies and the rich, savory add-ins.
Customizable: You can easily swap out or add ingredients to suit your tastes. Add a different protein like grilled chicken or swap the avocado for cheese—there are so many ways to make this your own.
Quick and Easy: No complicated steps here—just chop, toss, and enjoy! It’s a breeze to prepare, even on busy days.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving it at a summer picnic or as a quick weeknight dinner, this salad will wow your guests (or just yourself, honestly).
Ingredients
Let’s break down the ingredients that come together to make this salad so delicious:
Broccoli Florets: Fresh, crunchy broccoli is the base of this salad, giving it that satisfying bite.
Bacon: Crispy, savory bacon adds so much flavor and crunch to the mix. It’s hard to resist that smoky goodness!
Avocado: Creamy avocado brings a rich texture and a mild, buttery flavor that balances out the crispness of the veggies.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy tomatoes add a pop of color and freshness.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: Chopped eggs are a classic Cobb salad addition and bring some protein and richness to the salad.
Roasted Almonds: Crunchy, toasted almonds add a nutty flavor and texture that elevates the salad.
Red Onion: A little bit of red onion gives a hint of sharpness without being overwhelming.
Cheddar Cheese (Optional): Shredded cheddar brings a tangy bite that complements all the flavors in the salad.
Dressing (Optional): A tangy, creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and mustard ties everything together.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Now that you’ve got everything ready, it’s time to toss together this delicious salad:
Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain it on paper towels and crumble it into small pieces.
Prepare the Broccoli: While the bacon is cooking, cut the broccoli into small florets. You can blanch the broccoli briefly in boiling water or leave it raw for extra crunch.
Boil the Eggs: Place eggs in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove the eggs, let them cool, then peel and chop them.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, crumbled bacon, chopped hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, and roasted almonds.
Toss with Dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients. If you’re using cheese, sprinkle it on top at this stage.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate it for up to an hour if you’re preparing ahead. Enjoy it as a light meal or as a side dish with your favorite main course!
How to Serve Harvest Cobb Broccoli Salad
This salad is great on its own, but you can also serve it with a variety of sides:
Grilled Meats: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a complete meal.
Bread: A slice of crusty bread or some dinner rolls would make a great pairing to scoop up the delicious dressing.
Rice or Quinoa: If you’re looking to add some grains to the meal, try serving this salad with a side of rice or quinoa for extra texture.
Roasted Vegetables: Pair it with some roasted sweet potatoes or carrots for a comforting, hearty meal.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make your salad even better:
Make Ahead: You can prepare the salad ahead of time, but leave the avocado and dressing off until right before serving to keep everything fresh.
Substitute Ingredients: Feel free to substitute the bacon with a plant-based alternative or swap the almonds for walnuts if you prefer.
Vegan Version: Skip the cheese, bacon, and eggs, and add extra veggies or plant-based protein for a fully vegan version.
Adjust the Dressing: If you prefer a more tangy dressing, add more lemon juice or a splash of vinegar to brighten it up.
Storage: Store leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Add dressing right before serving to keep the salad crisp.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A1: Fresh broccoli is best for this salad, but if you only have frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Just wait to add the dressing and avocado until you’re ready to serve to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Q3: Can I substitute the bacon for something else?
A3: You can use turkey bacon or even a vegetarian bacon alternative for a lighter version. Alternatively, try adding grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas for some protein.
Q4: Can I make this salad without eggs?
A4: Absolutely! You can skip the eggs or replace them with another protein source, like grilled chicken or tofu.
Q5: How can I make the dressing dairy-free?
A5: Use a dairy-free yogurt like coconut or almond-based yogurt instead of Greek yogurt, and you’ll have a creamy, dairy-free dressing.
Q6: Can I add fruit to the salad?
A6: Yes! Try adding some sliced apples, pears, or cranberries for a burst of sweetness that complements the savory ingredients.
Q7: Can I freeze this salad?
A7: It’s best to eat this salad fresh. Freezing could cause the broccoli and other veggies to lose their texture. However, you can freeze the dressing separately if you like.
Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and keep the dressing separate. Add dressing when ready to serve.
Q9: Can I use a different type of nut?
A9: Absolutely! Feel free to swap the almonds for walnuts, pecans, or even sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
Q10: Is this salad gluten-free?
A10: Yes! This salad is naturally gluten-free as long as you make sure the dressing and any added ingredients don’t contain gluten.
Conclusion
This Harvest Cobb Broccoli Salad is the perfect balance of freshness, crunch, and flavor. With nutrient-packed veggies, savory bacon, and a creamy dressing, it’s a salad that can hold its own as a main dish or complement any meal. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or bringing it to a party, this salad is sure to impress everyone at the table. Try it out, and let the flavors do the talking!
Print
Harvest Cobb Broccoli Salad
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This fresh and flavorful broccoli salad is packed with crisp apples, creamy cheddar, and candied pecans, all tossed in a maple poppy seed dressing. Perfect for any season!
Ingredients
Salad:
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2 small heads broccoli, chopped
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3 hardboiled eggs, chopped
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1/3 cup craisins (or dried cherries)
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1/2 cup white cheddar cheese, chopped
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1 apple, chopped
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6 slices salami, chopped
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2 tablespoons pepitas
Dressing:
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1/3 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup milk
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2 tablespoons maple syrup (Grade A)
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Pinch of cinnamon
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Candied Pecans:
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1 cup pecans
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
Make the Dressing:
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In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, and poppy seeds. Set aside.
Candy the Pecans:
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Heat a skillet over medium heat.
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Toast the pecans for 1 minute, then add butter, stirring until melted.
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Stir in brown sugar and cinnamon until pecans are coated.
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Transfer to parchment paper and let cool completely.
Assemble the Salad:
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In a large bowl, combine broccoli, eggs, craisins, cheese, apple, and candied pecans.
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Pour in the maple poppy seed dressing and toss gently.
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Add salami and pepitas, then toss again to coat.
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Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Notes
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Make-Ahead: Dressing and candied pecans can be made a day ahead. Assemble just before serving.
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
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Variations: Swap cheddar for feta or use honey-roasted nuts for extra crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 85mg