Broccoli Cranberry Salad
This warm broccoli cranberry salad with crispy bacon, crunchy cashews, tart dried cranberries, and a bright lemon finish is a fancy-feeling yet simple side dish. Ready in 30 minutes and perfect for holidays or weeknights.
Servings: 6
Calories: 673kcal
Equipment
- 4 qt. Dutch Oven or larger
Ingredients
- 1 lb bacon chopped
- 1 cup onion diced
- ½ teaspoon salt +/-, to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper +/-, to taste
- 1 tablespoon garlic miced/grated; 1 teaspoon granulated
- 2½ lbs broccoli chopped/florets; (2-3 lbs)
- ⅛ teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1½ cups cashews
- 1½ cups dried cranberries sweetened or not
- 3 tablespoon lemon juice (1 lemon)
Instructions
- In a 4 qt. Dutch oven on medium-high heat, cook the bacon and the onions.
- Once the bacon and onions are about halfway cooked, stir in the salt, pepper, and garlic, resume cooking.
- Drain the renderings once the bacon has reached the desired crispiness; reduce heat to medium.
- Add the broccoli.
- Sprinke in the sugar and pour in the broth, stir well; cover.
- Steam the broccoli for 4 minutes or to desired doneness.
- Remove from heat, stir in the cranberries and cashews.
- Replace the lid askew, allow to sit for 3-5 minutes.
- Taste for seasoning, add any additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Use a 4-quart Dutch oven or larger so the broccoli has room to steam evenly.
Let the bacon render for a full minute before adding onions for a crispier result.
Cut broccoli into uniform florets so they cook at the same rate.
The pinch of sugar is not for sweetness. It stabilizes the chlorophyll and keeps the broccoli vibrant green during steaming.
Serve immediately. The broccoli continues to soften as it sits. If making for a potluck, undercook slightly so it holds up during transport.
Nutrition
Calories: 673kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 775mg | Potassium: 1052mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 1205IU | Vitamin C: 174mg | Calcium: 116mg | Iron: 4mg
