Easy & Healthy Broccoli Raisin Salad with Walnuts: Your Perfect Summer Side Dish

Looking for a refreshingly simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish to brighten up your summer gatherings? This classic Broccoli Raisin Salad with Walnuts is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful medley of textures and tastes, perfect for any occasion. This recipe was proudly created in partnership with Fisher Nuts, bringing you the finest quality walnuts to elevate your culinary creations.

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A Cherished Family Recipe: The Story Behind This Classic Salad

Some recipes aren’t just food; they’re memories. This Broccoli Raisin Salad is exactly that for my family. Every summer, when we gather at my parents’ house for a lively barbecue, there’s one dish you can almost always count on my mom making: this delightful broccoli raisin salad. It’s not just a dish; it’s a cherished tradition, a testament to simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Our family’s love affair with this salad began years ago when my mom’s dear friend, Trish, first introduced it. Since then, it has become a staple, gracing our tables repeatedly and earning its spot as one of our all-time favorites. It’s truly a quintessential summer side dish.

What truly endears this salad to us, beyond its nostalgic charm, is its remarkable simplicity and the sheer joy it brings to any meal. It’s packed with just a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients, making it an accessible and stress-free option for any home cook. Moreover, its ability to be prepared ahead of time makes it an absolute lifesaver for hosts. Whether you’re planning a casual summer picnic, firing up the grill for a backyard barbecue, or enjoying a lazy day by the pool, this salad is the perfect accompaniment. It strikes an exquisite balance of flavors and textures – from the subtle sweetness of carrots and plump raisins to the satisfying crunch of premium walnuts – all brought together by an abundance of crisp, green broccoli florets. And for an extra burst of sweetness, if you’ve ever tried the Jumbo Raisin Medley from Trader Joe’s, you know it’s a game-changer!

Why This Broccoli Raisin Salad Will Be Your New Go-To Side Dish

This salad isn’t just easy; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. Its broad appeal and reputation as a summer staple are rooted in several key aspects:

Unbeatable Flavor and Texture Combination

Every bite of this salad offers a delightful interplay of tastes and textures:

• Fresh Broccoli: The star of the show, offering a vibrant crunch and a wonderfully earthy, fresh base. When cut into small florets, it provides the perfect canvas for the dressing and other mix-ins.
• Sweet Raisins: These little gems are essential, providing concentrated pockets of natural sweetness that perfectly complement the savory and tangy elements of the salad. A mix of golden and regular raisins can add both visual appeal and a nuanced sweetness.
• Crunchy Walnuts: A crucial component, the walnuts add a delightful textural contrast that elevates the entire dish from good to exceptional. Their rich, buttery, and slightly earthy flavor provides depth. For the best quality and fresh taste, we highly recommend using Fisher Walnuts.
• Shredded Carrots: Adding a touch more sweetness, a vibrant pop of color, and a subtle crispness, carrots round out the vegetable components beautifully.
• Creamy Dressing: The perfectly balanced dressing is what ties all these wonderful components together, coating each piece without overpowering their individual flavors. Its tangy-sweet profile is truly addictive.

A Healthier Twist on a Beloved Classic

One of my favorite modifications to classic recipes that call for mayonnaise is to cleverly incorporate plain Greek yogurt. For as long as I can remember enjoying Greek yogurt, I’ve applied this simple trick: cutting the amount of mayo in half and substituting the other half with Greek yogurt. This isn’t just about reducing calories; it’s about enhancing the nutritional profile and adding a delightful tang. While it doesn’t necessarily make the dish “light” in a drastic way, it infuses it with extra goodness. Greek yogurt brings a significant boost of protein, probiotics, and a zesty flavor that, in my opinion, often trumps plain mayonnaise. It creates a dressing that is equally creamy and satisfying, but with an added layer of freshness and a subtly healthier edge. This modification makes the salad feel lighter and more invigorating, especially on a hot summer day. Of course, personal preference reigns supreme, and if you prefer a traditional approach, you can certainly use the full amount of mayonnaise in place of the Greek yogurt. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability and your ability to tailor it to your dietary preferences.

Customization and Variations to Suit Every Palate

This broccoli raisin salad is fantastic as is, but it also serves as an excellent canvas for customization. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it truly your own! Here are some popular variations:

• Add More Protein: The original recipe for this broccoli salad sometimes includes chickpeas, and I highly encourage you to add them if you’re looking for an extra boost. Rinsed and drained chickpeas transform this into an even heartier vegetarian dish, providing a wonderful source of plant-based protein and adding another textural dimension. For non-vegetarian options, cooked and crumbled crispy bacon bits or finely diced cooked chicken could also be added for extra flavor and protein.
• Introduce More Veggies: Finely diced red onion or a sprinkle of finely chopped bell peppers (red or yellow for color) can add extra flavor, a subtle bite, and an appealing visual element.
• Different Nuts & Seeds: While walnuts are a star, feel free to substitute or combine with other nuts like pecans, slivered almonds, or even toasted sunflower seeds for a different nutty note and crunch. Pine nuts also work beautifully.
• Cheese Please: A handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese or crumbled tangy feta can introduce a savory, salty element that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the raisins and the tang of the dressing.
• Sweetener Alternatives: If you prefer, pure maple syrup or agave nectar can be used in place of honey in the dressing, offering a slightly different flavor profile.
• Spice It Up: A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick if you enjoy a little heat in your salads.

The Power of Quality Ingredients: A Shoutout to Fisher Nuts

My culinary journey has been wonderfully intertwined with Fisher Nuts for five years now, and I can confidently say they are a pantry essential. The difference that fresh, high-quality nuts make in a recipe is undeniable, and Fisher Nuts consistently deliver. Their commitment to freshness truly shines through in every bite, enhancing the flavor and texture of dishes like this broccoli salad. Beyond their superior taste, I particularly appreciate their resealable bags, which are super convenient for storage. I keep my Fisher Nuts in the fridge, ensuring they stay fresh longer, and I find myself reaching for them daily to add a nutritious crunch to salads, yogurt, and even oatmeal. They are an effortless way to boost flavor and nutrition in countless dishes.

Finding Fisher Nuts is usually a breeze; I typically spot them in the baking aisle of my local grocery store. However, if you’re having trouble locating them, fret not! They are now readily available for purchase on Amazon, making it easier than ever to stock up on these wholesome ingredients for all your cooking and baking needs. Investing in good quality nuts truly pays off in the final taste of your dishes.

Preparing Your Perfect Broccoli Raisin Salad: Tips for Success

This salad is incredibly straightforward to make, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your company. Here are a few tips to ensure your salad is a masterpiece every time:

• Broccoli Florets: The size of your broccoli florets makes a difference. Ensure they are cut into small, bite-sized pieces (about 1/2 to 3/4 inch). This makes them easier to eat and allows them to meld better with the other ingredients, creating a more harmonious texture throughout the salad.
• Toasting Walnuts (Optional but Recommended): For an even deeper, more intense nutty flavor, lightly toast your Fisher Walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant. Watch them closely to prevent burning, then let them cool completely before adding to the salad.
• Chill Time is Key: While you can serve this salad immediately after mixing, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or even a few hours) allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The broccoli slightly softens, and the dressing permeates all the ingredients, resulting in a more harmonious and delicious outcome.
• Storage: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will deepen, but the broccoli might soften slightly over time. Give it a gentle stir before serving leftovers.
• Serving Suggestions: This versatile salad pairs wonderfully with almost anything grilled – think grilled chicken, fish, steak, or your favorite burgers. It’s also a fantastic addition to any potluck, picnic spread, or as a vibrant side for roasted meats. When chickpeas are added, it’s hearty enough to be a light vegetarian lunch on its own.

This content is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Fisher. The opinions, recipe modifications, and text are all mine, reflecting my genuine experience and appreciation for their products.

Explore More Delicious Summer Entertaining Recipes:

Looking for more fantastic dishes to complete your summer spread? Check out these other reader favorites and expand your repertoire of easy, crowd-pleasing recipes:

• Zesty Corn Salsa: A Burst of Fresh Flavors for Your Next Gathering
• Lemony Green Bean Pasta Salad with Walnuts: A Light & Zesty Delight
• Cheesy Corn Stuffed Jalapenos: The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer

No matter the occasion, this Broccoli Raisin Salad with Walnuts is sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy the simple pleasures of summer cooking and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones!