Broccoli & The Boss

My father-in-law, whom I love dearly because he makes me laugh, can be a bit bossy at times.  Occasionally it is warranted that he show his bossiness other times not so much.  I usually go along because after all I’m the in-law and  he’s really not all that hard to get along with.  Anyway, somebody has to be Boss.

One way I know to please him is to make special meals unlike what he cooks for himself. He is one of those guys who isn’t supposed to eat lettuces.  This is a challenge when a salad is called for.  I like the challenge of preparing a dish, calling it a salad and not using lettuce.  One of my favorite salads, that doesn’t include lettuce is a Fruited Broccoli Salad. I’m a fan of fruit in my salads, lettuce or no.  Apples, cranberries, pears, mandarin oranges, grapefruit and grapes are all delicious and colorful additions to many salads.

I got a big thumbs up when I served this broccoli salad along with our meal when The Boss was here last weekend.  Chances are you’ve eaten or made this salad before.  There seem to be a variety of recipes for Broccoli Salad such as this.  One of my favorite things about this salad, besides the fruit inclusion is the flexibility of the recipe.  Use your imagination if you don’t have identical ingredients and it’ll be a winner every time.

Enjoy!

Fruited Broccoli Salad

Ingredients: 4 cups fresh broccoli florets 3 ribs celery, chopped 1/2 cup seedless green grapes 1/2 cup seedless red grapes 1/2 cup chopped red onion * 1 cup mayonnaise 2 tbsp. cider vinegar 1 tbsp. sugar 1/2 cup roasted pumpkin seeds (sunflower kernels or mixed nuts)

In a large bowl toss broccoli, celery, grapes, and onion.  In a small bowl whisk mayo, vinegar, and sugar.  Pour over broccoli mixture and toss to coat.  Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds just before serving.

*Did you know that 1/2 cup of red/purple onion can help prevent ovarian cancer?  This onion is so versatile that it’s easy to include 1/2 cup in your diet daily.  Stay healthy!

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