Broccoli Salad – Recipe

This is my all-time favorite broccoli salad. I make it as a side dish about once a month, and I usually always make it for Easter brunch. My mother-in-law loves this salad and as a bonus, she has to eat gluten-free, so this is a side she can fill up on.

When I was younger I can remember eating with family or friends and when someone liked a recipe they would copy it down on a sheet of paper and take it home to file away in their recipe box. I don’t think I’m that old, but things sure have changed. When asked where a recipe came from the person usually knew exactly who gave it to them. Maybe it was from their mom, aunt, church cookbook, or friend. Now when I hear this question people often reply with Pinterest or Facebook. I’m not sure where my mom got this recipe for broccoli salad but there is a good chance it came from my grandma or one of her friends.

As young kids my parents were always having cookouts with friends and the kids would all play outside while the parents cooked and talked. Everybody would bring a side dish and there was always a great spread of food. Since we lived in a rural Illinois town, the kids would jump on trampolines, ride four-wheelers or just cruise around on riding lawnmowers. We were the coolest…. at least in our minds we were.

This broccoli salad was a hot weather side dish my mom would make every now and then. She made it a few years ago while the kids and I were staying at their house. I asked for the recipe and it’s become a staple ever since.

Broccoli Salad Ingredients

• chopped broccoli
• sunflower kernels
• bacon bits
• red onion – diced
• raisins
• mayonnaise
• vinegar
• sugar

I like to make the salad an hour or two before serving so I can refrigerate. This also allows the flavors to meld.

What are your favorite warm weather side dishes?