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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer sugared pecans onto parchment paper, spreading them out to cool and prevent clumping. Allow 10-15 minutes for complete cooling and hardening.
- Select a large mixing bowl and combine chopped broccoli, sliced hard-boiled eggs, dried cranberries, shredded cheese, diced apple, and cooled candied pecans.
- Drizzle prepared maple poppy seed dressing over salad ingredients, using gentle folding motions to ensure even distribution without crushing delicate components.
- Garnish with thin salami strips and roasted pepitas, giving a final gentle toss to integrate all elements and achieve complete coating with dressing.
- 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