The Zesty Harvest Cobb Broccoli Salad Recipe Everyone Adores

Some culinary magic happens when you combine harvest cobb broccoli salad with unexpected ingredients.

Fresh broccoli florets dance alongside crispy bacon bits and creamy avocado chunks.

Crumbled blue cheese adds a tangy punch that surprises the palate.

Colorful cherry tomatoes bring vibrant sweetness to every delightful bite.

Crunchy almonds provide a delectable textural contrast that keeps you coming back for more.

Perfectly dressed with a zesty vinaigrette, this salad promises to become your new favorite summer dish.

You’ll fall in love with its incredible blend of flavors and textures.

Why This Broccoli Salad Stands Out Flavorwise

• Savor Unique Flavor Combinations: Delight in the unexpected blend of broccoli, craisins, salami, and candied pecans that creates a taste explosion in every bite.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Learn easy skills like candying pecans and making a homemade dressing that elevate a basic salad into a gourmet experience.
• Craft a Nutritious Meal Powerhouse: Pack your plate with protein from eggs and salami, crunch from broccoli and pepitas, and sweet-tangy notes from the maple poppy seed dressing.
• Customize with Endless Variations: Swap ingredients based on your preferences or what's in your kitchen, making this salad a versatile recipe for any occasion.

What’s in Harvest Cobb Broccoli Salad

• Broccoli: A hearty green vegetable that provides crunch and nutritional value to the salad.
• Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs that add protein and a creamy texture to the dish.

• Craisins, Apple: Dried cranberries and fresh apple chunks that bring sweetness and a fruity brightness.
• Pepitas, Salami: Pumpkin seeds and salami slices that offer a savory and textural contrast.
• Cheese: A sharp or mild cheese that adds richness and depth to the salad.

• Mayonnaise, Milk, Apple Cider Vinegar: Creamy and tangy base ingredients for the maple poppy seed dressing.
• Maple Syrup, Poppy Seeds, Cinnamon: Sweetening and flavoring agents that create a unique dressing profile.
• Pecans, Butter, Brown Sugar: Ingredients used to create candied pecans with a caramelized, sweet coating.

Instructions to Build a Great Broccoli Salad

Step 1: Whip Up the Tangy Maple Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, milk, maple syrup, a sprinkle of cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, and poppy seeds. Whisk everything together until smooth and well blended.

Set the dressing aside to let the flavors mingle.

Step 2: Create Caramelized Nutty Goodness

Grab a skillet and warm it over medium heat.

Toss in the pecans and toast them for about a minute. Add butter and let it melt completely.

Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon over the pecans, stirring continuously until they’re perfectly coated and glistening. Transfer the candied pecans to parchment paper and let them cool completely.

Step 3: Build a Colorful Harvest Salad

• Chopped broccoli florets
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Dried cranberries
• Shredded cheese
• Diced crisp apple
• Cooled candied pecans

Pour the prepared maple poppy seed dressing over the ingredients and gently toss to coat. Sprinkle in some salami pieces and pepitas, then give another light toss to distribute everything evenly.

Your vibrant salad is ready to serve and enjoy!

Fresh Salad Tips You Can Use Anytime

• Whisk ingredients thoroughly to blend maple syrup's sweetness with tangy apple cider vinegar for a balanced, rich taste.
• Watch pecans closely while toasting to prevent burning, stirring continuously for even caramelization and golden-brown color.
• Chop broccoli, boil eggs, and candy pecans in advance to streamline assembly and reduce last-minute kitchen stress.
• Add salami and pepitas just before serving to preserve their crisp texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Ensure candied pecans cool completely before mixing to prevent melting cheese and wilting fresh ingredients.

Broccoli Cobb Salads With Your Own Style

• Vegan Veggie Crunch: Replace eggs and salami with roasted chickpeas and sunflower seeds, using dairy-free mayo for a plant-based version.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Swap craisins for sun-dried tomatoes, add fresh herbs like basil and oregano, and use feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Incorporate black beans, roasted corn, jalapeños, and swap maple dressing for a chipotle-lime vinaigrette.
• Greek Protein Power: Add grilled chicken, replace pecans with chopped kalamata olives, and use Greek yogurt in the dressing for extra protein.

Best Matches With Harvest Cobb Salad Dish

• Pair Perfectly with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio complement the salad's tangy maple dressing and creamy texture, cutting through rich ingredients like salami and cheese.
• Enhance with Rustic Bread Companion: Serve alongside toasted sourdough or crusty French baguette slices to add crunch and soak up the delicious maple poppy seed dressing.
• Match with Light Protein Sidekick: Grilled chicken breast or roasted turkey tenderloin create a balanced meal, providing additional protein that connects smoothly with the salad's diverse ingredients.
• Elevate with Sparkling Refreshment: Chilled prosecco or sparkling water with lemon brings bright, effervescent notes that cleanse the palate between bites of the hearty broccoli cobb salad.

How to Store Broccoli Salad Crisp and Cool

Store salad in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent soggy ingredients and maintain crispness.

Separately freeze candied pecans in a freezer bag for 1-2 months. Store dressing in a freezer-safe container for quick future use.

Warm salad components briefly in microwave at 50% power for 15-30 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent wilting broccoli and rubbery eggs.

Before serving cold leftovers, sprinkle fresh pepitas and add extra candied pecans to restore crunch and revive flavors.

FAQs

• Why use apple cider vinegar in the dressing?

Apple cider vinegar adds tangy brightness and helps balance the sweetness of maple syrup, creating a more complex and refreshing flavor profile for the salad.

• Can I substitute craisins with other dried fruits?

Yes, you can use raisins, dried cherries, or chopped dried apricots as alternatives to craisins, which will still provide a sweet and chewy texture to the salad.

• Are pepitas necessary for the recipe?

Pepitas are optional but recommended. They add a nutty crunch and extra nutritional value, providing a nice textural contrast to the soft broccoli and creamy dressing.

Harvest Cobb Broccoli Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Seasonal harvest cobb broccoli salad brings garden-fresh ingredients together in a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Fresh broccoli, crisp bacon, and tangy dressing create a perfect blend that you’ll crave at every summer gathering.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables and Fruits:

• 2 small heads broccoli, chopped
• 1 apple, chopped

Protein and Cheese:

• 3 hardboiled eggs, chopped
• 6 slices salami, chopped
• 1/2 cup white cheddar cheese, chopped
• 2 tablespoons pepitas

Dried Fruits, Nuts, and Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup craisins (or dried cherries)
• 1 cup pecans
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (Grade A)
• 1 pinch of cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds

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Instructions

1. Whisk mayonnaise, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, apple cider vinegar, and poppy seeds in a small bowl until smooth and well-blended. Reserve dressing for later use.
2. Place skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Add pecans and toast lightly, then incorporate butter until melted. Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon, stirring continuously to create an even coating.
3. Transfer sugared pecans onto parchment paper, spreading them out to cool and prevent clumping. Allow 10-15 minutes for complete cooling and hardening.
4. Select a large mixing bowl and combine chopped broccoli, sliced hard-boiled eggs, dried cranberries, shredded cheese, diced apple, and cooled candied pecans.
5. Drizzle prepared maple poppy seed dressing over salad ingredients, using gentle folding motions to ensure even distribution without crushing delicate components.
6. Garnish with thin salami strips and roasted pepitas, giving a final gentle toss to integrate all elements and achieve complete coating with dressing.
7. Chill for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and enhance overall taste profile.

Notes

• Swap Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to create a lighter, protein-packed dressing that cuts calories without sacrificing creamy texture.
• Toast pepitas and pecans simultaneously to save time and develop deeper, nuttier flavors during meal preparation.
• Control sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener instead of maple syrup for diabetic-friendly or low-carb dietary needs.
• Quickly blanch broccoli for 60 seconds in boiling water to soften texture while maintaining vibrant green color and crisp nutrients.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg