Looking for a salad that’s as hearty as it is healthy? This Harvest Cobb Broccoli Salad is your answer. It’s packed with vibrant, crisp vegetables, creamy cheese, and savory toppings that make every bite a flavor-packed delight. Whether you’re looking to bring something refreshing to a gathering or craving a filling lunch, this salad has got you covered. Trust me, you’re going to love the mix of textures and flavors in every forkful!
Why You’ll Love Harvest Cobb Broccoli Salad
This salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a full-on flavor experience. Here’s why it’s one of our favorites:
Versatile: Perfect as a side dish, or enjoy it as a main meal by adding some grilled chicken or tofu. It fits into any meal plan, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or meal prepping for the week.
Budget-Friendly: Packed with affordable ingredients that you likely already have in your fridge or pantry, this salad doesn’t break the bank.
Quick and Easy: It comes together in a snap with minimal prep. Perfect for when you need something fast but still want a meal that feels special.
Customizable: Whether you prefer extra crunch or want to swap out a veggie, this salad is easy to adjust. Add or remove ingredients based on your preferences!
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a salad that’s just as loved by veggie lovers as it is by those who may be a little picky with greens. It’s a hit at any gathering!
Ingredients
The beauty of this Harvest Cobb Broccoli Salad lies in the vibrant ingredients that combine to create an unforgettable dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
Broccoli: The base of this salad—fresh, crunchy, and packed with nutrients. It brings a nice bite and pairs perfectly with all the other ingredients.
Bacon: Crispy, smoky bacon adds a savory crunch that everyone loves. It gives this salad that delicious umami flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds richness and tang, giving the salad a creamy bite with every forkful.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onions provide a mild, zesty crunch that adds just the right balance of flavor.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: Creamy and satisfying, the eggs make the salad more filling and add a smooth texture to complement the crunchier elements.
Avocado: Smooth, creamy avocado adds richness and a buttery flavor that perfectly offsets the crunch of the broccoli and bacon.
Dried Cranberries: Sweet and tangy, these little gems pop in your mouth, providing a delightful contrast to the savory ingredients.
Sunflower Seeds: These seeds give the salad a crunchy, nutty flavor and a nice contrast in texture.
Ranch Dressing: The creamy dressing ties everything together, creating a luscious finish for each bite.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get started with creating this delicious Harvest Cobb Broccoli Salad:
Prep Your Veggies
Start by chopping your broccoli into bite-sized florets. You want to make sure they’re small enough for easy eating but still big enough to provide that satisfying crunch.
Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook your bacon until crispy. Once done, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. When cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Prepare the Other Ingredients
While the bacon is cooking, hard boil your eggs. Once they’re done, peel them and chop them into small cubes. Slice your red onion thinly and chop the avocado into chunks. Set everything aside.
Toss Everything Together
In a large salad bowl, combine the broccoli, crumbled bacon, chopped eggs, cheddar cheese, red onion, avocado, cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
Add the Dressing
Drizzle your ranch dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Make sure everything is coated in that creamy, delicious dressing.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately, or if you’re prepping for later, cover the salad and refrigerate until ready to eat. This salad holds up well in the fridge for a few hours, so feel free to make it ahead of time.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
(Note: Nutrition facts may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Harvest Cobb Broccoli Salad
This Harvest Cobb Broccoli Salad pairs wonderfully with almost anything. Here are a few ideas to make your meal even more delicious:
- Serve with grilled chicken or steak for a hearty, protein-packed main dish.
- Pair with a slice of homemade cornbread for a comforting meal.
- Add a light, citrusy dressing on top if you want a tangier version of the salad.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Add Protein: If you want to turn this salad into a more filling meal, toss in some grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Use Greek Yogurt: Swap the ranch dressing for Greek yogurt for a healthier, creamy alternative.
- Make it Gluten-Free: This salad is naturally gluten-free, but double-check the dressing to make sure it’s free from gluten if that’s a concern.
- Make Ahead: If you’re prepping for the week, store the salad in individual servings with the dressing on the side. Toss it all together just before serving.
FAQ’s
- Can I use a different dressing instead of ranch?
Yes! You can substitute ranch with any creamy dressing, such as blue cheese, Caesar, or a homemade vinaigrette. - Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving. If you want to store it, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. - Can I substitute the bacon with something else?
Yes! If you prefer a vegetarian version, try substituting the bacon with roasted chickpeas or crispy tofu for a savory crunch. - How long will this salad last in the fridge?
This salad can last up to 2-3 days in the fridge, but it’s best when served fresh. - What if I don’t like avocado?
You can easily omit the avocado or replace it with another creamy ingredient like a dollop of hummus. - Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Fresh broccoli is preferred for its crunch, but if you’re using frozen, make sure it’s thawed and drained well before adding it to the salad. - What other fruits can I add to this salad?
Apple slices or pear slices would make a lovely addition, giving the salad a sweet crunch. - Can I add nuts to this salad?
Yes! Walnuts or almonds would be a great addition for extra crunch and flavor. - Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked bacon to save time, but freshly cooked bacon adds a better crisp texture. - Can I make this salad without cheese?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the cheese if you’re avoiding dairy, and you’ll still have a delicious, satisfying salad.
Conclusion
This Harvest Cobb Broccoli Salad is the perfect balance of fresh, crunchy veggies, savory bacon, and creamy dressing. It’s a simple, yet satisfying dish that’s sure to please anyone at the table. Whether you’re looking for a light side or a filling meal, this salad is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Harvest Cobb Broccoli Salad
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for bacon/eggs)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook / Assembly
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Harvest Cobb Broccoli Salad is a colorful, crunchy twist on the classic cobb salad. It combines fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, sweet apples, hard-boiled eggs, and a creamy dressing for a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for fall gatherings or meal prep.
Ingredients
**For the Salad:**
– 4 cups broccoli florets (raw or lightly blanched)
– 4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
– 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
– 1 apple, diced (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended)
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/3 cup dried cranberries
– 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta
– 1/4 cup sunflower seeds or chopped pecans
**For the Dressing:**
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine broccoli, crumbled bacon, chopped eggs, apple, red onion, cranberries, cheese, and sunflower seeds.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until well coated.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
For added tenderness, blanch broccoli in boiling water for 1 minute then plunge into ice water before using. This salad can be made a day ahead and keeps well in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 90mg