Irresistible Broccoli Salad with Raisins for Thanksgiving Feast

Oh my gosh, you HAVE to try my broccoli salad with raisins – it’s been my secret weapon at Thanksgiving for years! Picture this: crisp broccoli florets, plump sweet raisins, and crunchy sunflower seeds all swimming in this tangy-sweet dressing that’ll make even the veggie skeptics come back for seconds. I swear, every time I bring this to gatherings, the bowl comes home empty. It’s got that perfect mix of textures – crunchy, chewy, creamy – and takes barely any effort to throw together. Plus, it actually gets better as it chills, which makes it the ultimate stress-free side dish when you’re juggling a dozen other Thanksgiving dishes!

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Salad with Raisins

Trust me, this salad checks ALL the boxes:

• No cooking required – just chop, mix, and chill (perfect when the oven’s hogged by turkey!)
• Crazy flavorful – that sweet-tangy dressing clings to every nook and cranny
• Textural heaven – crisp broccoli, chewy raisins, and crunchy seeds in every bite
• Makes ahead magic – tastes even better after soaking up flavors overnight
• Crowd-pleaser – kids and adults alike go nuts for it at our holiday table

Ingredients for Broccoli Salad with Raisins

Here’s everything you’ll need to make my favorite crunchy broccoli salad (measurements matter here!):

• 4 cups broccoli florets – chopped into bite-sized pieces (about 2 medium crowns)
• 1/2 cup raisins – packed lightly (I love the plump golden ones, but regular work too)
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds – unsalted for balance (see, I’m watching out for you!)
• 1/4 cup red onion – finely diced (trust me, this small amount gives just enough zip)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise – the real stuff, none of that salad dressing nonsense
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – for that perfect tang
• 1 tablespoon sugar – balances the vinegar beautifully
• 1/4 teaspoon each salt & black pepper – don’t skip these flavor boosters!

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Ran out of something? No sweat – here’s my playbook for swaps:

• Sunflower seeds → Try toasted almonds or pepitas for a different crunch
• Mayo skeptics? Greek yogurt works (use 1/4 cup yogurt + 1/4 cup mayo to keep it creamy)
• Red onion too strong? Soak chopped pieces in cold water for 5 minutes first
• Want more color? Toss in some shredded carrots or diced red bell pepper
• Raisin haters? Dried cranberries are a festive alternative

See? Making it your own is half the fun!

How to Make Broccoli Salad with Raisins

Alright, let’s get down to business – here’s exactly how I put this beauty together (with all my little tricks sprinkled in):

1. Prep those florets right – Wash and dry your broccoli thoroughly, then chop into small, bite-sized pieces. I aim for pieces about the size of a quarter – big enough to crunch, small enough to get dressed evenly.
2. The raisin trick – If your raisins seem a bit dry, plump them up in warm water for 5 minutes first (drain well before using). Game changer!
3. Mix the good stuff – In your biggest bowl, combine broccoli, raisins, sunflower seeds, and onion. I like to toss with my hands to distribute everything evenly.
4. Whisk the dressing – In a separate bowl, whisk together mayo, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper until smooth. Taste it! Want more tang? Add another splash of vinegar. Too sharp? A pinch more sugar.
5. The magic moment – Pour dressing over the broccoli mix and toss until every single piece is coated. I mean really get in there – this isn’t a gentle salad!
6. Patience is key – Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but honestly? Overnight is when the magic really happens as flavors meld.

Tips for the Best Broccoli Salad with Raisins

• Chill out – That 1 hour minimum chill time isn’t optional – it softens the broccoli just enough while keeping that awesome crunch
• Toast your seeds – For next-level flavor, toast sunflower seeds in a dry pan until golden before adding
• Drain excess liquid – If your salad looks watery after chilling, just give it a quick stir and drain any pooled dressing at the bottom
• Last-minute crunch – Add a fresh handful of seeds right before serving for extra texture contrast

Serving Suggestions for Broccoli Salad with Raisins

This salad plays SO well with others! At Thanksgiving, I always place it right next to the roasted turkey – the bright flavors cut through all that rich gravy perfectly. But honestly? It’s amazing with glazed ham at Easter, piled onto BBQ plates in summer, or even as a fresh counterpoint to creamy casseroles at potlucks. For holiday buffets, I serve it in my grandmother’s cut glass bowl – the jewel tones make it look extra festive!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

This broccoli salad keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days – if it lasts that long! Just pop it in an airtight container (I swear by glass for freshness). No reheating needed – in fact, it’s best served cold straight from the fridge. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers taste even better!

Nutritional Information for Broccoli Salad with Raisins

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each delicious serving (based on my exact recipe): about 180 calories, 12g fat (mostly the good kind from mayo and seeds!), 18g carbs, and 3g fiber. Remember – these numbers can change based on your specific ingredients and brands. But hey, with all that fresh broccoli goodness, I’d call this a win-win situation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Alright, now it’s your turn! Whip up this broccoli salad with raisins and let me know how it turns out for you. Did you add any fun twists? Maybe some crispy bacon or a sprinkle of cheese? I’d love to hear your creative variations – drop a comment below or tag me on social media so I can see your gorgeous creations. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to potluck dish too. Happy crunching!

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, check out Family Tastes.

Irresistible Broccoli Salad with Raisins for Thanksgiving Feast

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• Author: EditorVictoria
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A fresh and crunchy broccoli salad with raisins, perfect for Thanksgiving.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Wash and chop broccoli into small florets.
2. Combine broccoli, raisins, sunflower seeds, and red onion in a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss well.
5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

• For extra crunch, add chopped bacon or almonds.
• Adjust sugar and vinegar to taste.
• Best served chilled.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

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