Broccoli Party Salad with Creamy Poppyseed Dressing

Life just got interesting really fast in the last 24 hours. We learned that our offer on a home we liked had been accepted which was a surprise to us as we expected to be declined. Additionally, while this was going on, we got a request to house a young family member for a few months to which we said yes. We are now moving forward with the house and are preparing for our guest all while running our businesses. My husband and I know how to live hard- lol! And while the details are being sorted out there is our July 4th BBQ coming up. Our last 4th party (pre Covid) we did a surf and turf. For simplicity we are doing a hamburger/hot dog BBQ this year with the usual side dishes. But I did jazz up the broccoli salad with some new flavors for the events and wanted to share it with you today. This is my new revised broccoli salad that I call Broccoli Party Salad because it is a party of flavors.

Broccoli salads are hard to ruin with their mix of sweet and savory. The sweet and tangy poppyseed dressing brings it all together for a party worthy salad to serve your guests. Instead of the raisins, oranges, and bacon I opted for Craisins, sunflower seeds, apple, blueberries, feta, and a Poppyseed dressing. To add July 4th spirit, I cut the apples into star shapes with a small start cutter. It was very yummy and good for a crowd. Additionally, the poppyseed dressing is delicious and great on other salads as well.

Broccoli Party Salad

Makes approximately 2 quarts of salad.

1 lb. of broccoli florets (washed and dried)

1/2 cup of Craisins

1 cup of fresh blueberries (washed and dried)

1/4 cup of roasted sunflower seeds

6 slices of bacon (cooked and crumbled)

1 cup of honey crisp apple chunks (I cut these into star shapes)

1/2 cup feta cheese crumbles (optional)

1 recipe of Poppyseed dressing (see below)

Combine all ingredients and stir in Poppyseed dressing. Stir to coat. Refrigerate until ready to use. If desired, make a day ahead of time, but don’t add the apples until right before serving as they will turn brown in fridge overnight.

Poppyseed Dressing

Makes approximately one cup

1/2 cup of mayonnaise

1/4 cup of white wine vinegar

3 tbsps. of sugar

1 tsp. of poppyseeds

Whisk ingredients together and store in fridge until ready to use.

Have a beautiful day!