Broccoli Apple & Almond Salad

Ahh Spring...it is so nice to finally see some hints of green and temps in the 60s-70s. T & I had a whirlwind of a busy weekend, and had sooooo much fun catching up with family, helping my youngest brother celebrate his 17th birthday, my grandma ring in her 75th, and enjoying yet another amazing Easter meal compliments of Mama J. I'll have pictures to share later as many of them are on my mom's camera, and she's notorious for taking a LOOOOOOONG time to send me pictures. Hopefully before the week is out :) Mama J, are you reading this?

In the meantime, I mixed up this delicious springtime broccoli apple & almond salad that is just to die for. I hope you enjoy it as much as T & I! It's the perfect compliment to springtime grilling, and packed with deliciousness.

Step One: Gather the ingredients. Yes, there are quite a few. 

Step Two: Use a small food processor or blender to make the vinaigrette. 

NOTE: This vinaigrette is amazing, and would be equally delicious on a lettuce salad, pasta, or maybe even used as a marinade for chicken if broccoli isn't your thing.

Step Three: Chop the broccoli and dice that apple. Combine all salad ingredients together in a large mixing bowl, and top with vinaigrette, stirring until well combined. 

Pop in the fridge for a couple of hours to let the flavors develop, or serve immediately. Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from The Healthy Foodie

BROCCOLI APPLE & ALMOND SALAD | Yield: 6 servings | Total Time: 45 min.

INGREDIENTS:

2 heads broccoli, florets only, chopped
1 large red apple, diced
1 C slivered almonds
1 C sliced green olives (you can buy these pre-sliced to save time)
1/2 C raisins
1/4 C dates, chopped (also available pre-cut, or use fresh)
1/3 C bacon crumbles (about 4 slices)

VINAIGRETTE:
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 C lime juice (1-2 limes depending on size)
1/4 C extra-virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp white wine vinegar
2 Tbsp honey
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
1 Tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

DIRECTIONS:

In a small food processor, add all the ingredients for the vinaigrette and process until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, add broccoli, apple, almonds, green olives, raisins, chopped dates, bacon and vinaigrette and mix until thoroughly combined. Serve immediately, or leave in the fridge a few hours to allow the flavors to develop.

This salad makes an excellent compliment to spring or summertime grilling, but is also fancy enough to serve as a side for a more gourmet dinner as well.

What are your favorite springtime salads?