This salad came about because of this pin. I had lots of broccoli on hand and in an effort to actually do some of the things I have pinned on pinterest so I went for it! I started by reading the recipe and the directions and then deciding to do it my way. It’s not right or wrong, just kind of how I cook. I chopped my broccoli into bite sized pieces and put it on to boil. I didn’t want it too soft though so as soon as the water boiled I turned it off! I let it sit for about 5 minutes and then strained the water out. While that was going on I whipped up the sauce. Originally it called for red wine vinegar, but Mel changed it to Balsamic and I took that one step further with this AMAZING garlic-chipotle balsamic that we picked up at one of those food festivals that small towns hold.
Anywho. The dressing also called for mayonnaise (but I don’t eat mayonnaise or any version of it) so I substituted sour cream. I only used about 1/2 cup, because I like my salads a little undressed, tee hee. And really this recipe transformation wouldn’t be complete unless I told you that we don’t have “regular” sugar so instead of granulated sugar i used sugar in the raw. So you know…what I made really isn’t anything like the original recipe…
Okay, so now that my broccoli is blanched and my dressing is made I quickly cook up some of the Morningstar fake bacon (I love that stuff!), and chop it up into pieces. I also toss in some sunflower seeds, although I didn’t have any regular ones so I used honey roasted sunflower seeds. Oh and the onions, i sauteed them for a few minutes to soften them (and their flavor) up! So let’s see…I have pretty much altered every ingredient in this recipe to suit my own tastes and pantry…oh i wish i had a pantry…and put it all together.
Dinner time came and everyone had some of the broccoli salad. I’m not going to lie…maybe it was alllll the alterations, but it wasn’t that great. I know right! I don’t often make things that don’t turn out delicious or at least good, and this one was a giant fail! So don’t be like me, go to Mel’s original recipe and try it out! Maybe you are better at following directions than I am and it will actually turn out amazing! let me know if you do try it and how it turns out!!!
