Imagine a salad that is not only vibrant and colorful but also packed with flavor and nutrition. The Loaded Broccoli Radish Salad is everything you could want and more! This dish combines the crunch of fresh vegetables with the sweetness of fruits and a tangy dressing, making it a perfect side or a light meal on its own. Using simple, wholesome ingredients, you can whip up this salad in no time.

Whether you’re planning a picnic, a family gathering, or just want something nutritious to add to your lunch rotation, this Loaded Broccoli Radish Salad Recipe is sure to impress. Let’s explore why this salad is a must-try and how to make it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Loaded Broccoli Radish Salad Recipe is a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The crisp broccoli and radishes provide a satisfying crunch, while the diced apples and grapes add a sweet touch that balances the savory elements perfectly. Not to mention, it’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables and fruits into your diet.

Moreover, this salad is incredibly versatile. You can adapt it to your taste or what you have on hand, making it a fantastic option for any meal. Plus, it’s not only visually appealing but also packed with vitamins and antioxidants. This salad is a great way to enjoy the freshness of seasonal produce!

What Goes Into Loaded Broccoli Radish Salad Recipe

To make this delightful salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

3 large broccoli heads
5 radishes, cut in thirds and diced
2 tomatoes, quartered, seeded, and diced
1 apple, peeled and diced
1/2 cup of red grapes, diced (drain the juice)
1 cup green onions, 5 green onions minus the white part, diced
1 cup medium carrot, shredded
1/2 cup dry cranberries (optional, but highly recommended)
3 tablespoons sunflower oil or olive oil
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sour cream
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
3 tablespoons lemon juice

Recommended Tools

To make your salad preparation easier, here are some tools you might find helpful:

Large mixing bowl: For combining all the ingredients.
Sharp knife: To chop and dice your ingredients efficiently.
Cutting board: A stable surface for chopping.
Grater: For shredding the carrots easily.
Whisk: To mix the dressing ingredients smoothly.

Loaded Broccoli Radish Salad Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this Loaded Broccoli Radish Salad is simple! Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by washing your broccoli thoroughly. Cut the broccoli heads into bite-sized florets. This will not only make them easier to eat but also allow them to mix well with the other ingredients.

Step 2: Dice the Other Ingredients

In a separate bowl, chop the radishes, tomatoes, and apple. Make sure to remove the seeds from the tomatoes to avoid excess moisture in the salad. You can also dice the grapes and slice the green onions, discarding the white parts.

Step 3: Shred the Carrots

Using a grater, shred the carrots into fine pieces. This will add a lovely texture and sweetness to your salad.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the chopped vegetables and fruits: broccoli, radishes, tomatoes, apple, grapes, green onions, and shredded carrots. If using, add the dry cranberries for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 5: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the sunflower oil or olive oil, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic salt, and lemon juice until well combined. This creamy dressing will tie all the flavors together beautifully.

Step 6: Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything together until well coated. Be careful not to mash the ingredients; you want to maintain that crunchy texture.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to meld together and enhances the overall taste.

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps

Feel free to customize your salad based on what’s in season or what you have on hand:

Replace apples with pears during fall for a different sweetness.
Add seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds in winter for a burst of color.
Use different nuts or seeds, such as walnuts or pumpkin seeds, for added crunch.
Swap out broccoli for cauliflower if you want a different flavor profile.

Avoid These Traps

When preparing your Loaded Broccoli Radish Salad, keep these tips in mind:

Don’t skip the lemon juice; it adds acidity that brightens the flavors.
Avoid overcooking the broccoli if you decide to blanch it briefly; it should remain crisp.
Make sure to drain the grapes well to prevent extra moisture in the salad.
Be cautious with the mayonnaise; too much can overpower the salad’s freshness.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but here’s how to store it properly:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but the vegetables may lose some crunch. Do not freeze this salad, as the texture will suffer when thawed. If you want to prepare it ahead of time, consider keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.

Troubleshooting Q&A

What can I do if my salad is too watery?

If your salad turns out watery, it might be due to overripe tomatoes or grapes. Try adding more dry ingredients like shredded carrots or nuts to absorb some of the excess liquid.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best to wait to add the dressing until just before serving to keep the vegetables fresh and crisp.

How can I make this salad vegan?

To make a vegan version of the Loaded Broccoli Radish Salad Recipe, simply replace the mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives.

What can I serve this salad with?

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or can be served as a stunning side dish with Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Baked Potatoes for a complete meal.

If you enjoyed this Loaded Broccoli Radish Salad Recipe, you might also like these delicious dishes:

Time to Try It

Gather your ingredients and get ready to create this delicious Loaded Broccoli Radish Salad Recipe. With its combination of fresh produce, crunchy textures, and a creamy dressing, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors as you dig into this nutritious salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy cooking!

Loaded Broccoli Radish Salad Recipe

This Loaded Broccoli Radish Salad is a colorful, crunchy delight! Packed with fresh veggies and a creamy dressing, it’s perfect for any meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Salad:

3 large broccoli heads cut into florets
5 radishes cut in thirds and diced
2 tomatoes quartered, seeded, and diced
1 apple peeled and diced
1/2 cup red grapes diced (drain the juice)
1 cup green onions diced (white part discarded)
1 cup medium carrot shredded
1/2 cup dry cranberries (optional, but highly recommended)

For the Dressing:

3 tablespoons sunflower oil or olive oil
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sour cream
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
3 tablespoons lemon juice

Equipment

Large Mixing Bowl
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Grater
Whisk

Method

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by washing your broccoli thoroughly. Cut the broccoli heads into bite-sized florets.
Step 2: Dice the Other Ingredients
In a separate bowl, chop the radishes, tomatoes, and apple. Remove the seeds from the tomatoes.
Step 3: Shred the Carrots
Using a grater, shred the carrots into fine pieces.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the chopped vegetables and fruits.
Step 5: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the sunflower oil, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic salt, and lemon juice.
Step 6: Dress the Salad
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss until well coated.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.