05 June 2017

Broccoli Salad - Daddy's Version

Broccoli Salad -- in half-pint canning jars for lunch on the go / www.delightfulrepast.com

Being half Southern (on my Daddy's side), I always called my father "Daddy." Anyway ... Daddy made a great broccoli salad, the first one I ever had. I've been meaning to post it ever since I posted Broccoli Salad - A High-Protein Version, where I tell the amusing story of one of his rare forays into the kitchen. Years later, after my mother died, he did learn to make a few things. 

Note: As you can see, it's a perfect picnic or lunchbox salad, individual servings easily transportable in half-pint jars.

This salad was something he started making huge batches of anytime he was expecting anyone to come stay with him for a few days. He would just get out his biggest stainless steel bowl, which held at least 6 quarts, and start chopping stuff up until it was filled to the brim. We'd have to eat it at every meal until it was gone, or he'd say "I thought you liked broccoli salad"!

One time we stayed five nights, so we had it at nine lunches and dinners! It was a good thing we liked it because I can eat something once just to be polite, but nine times? This was the first time I've made it since he died. I feel a little rebellious writing this because he was such an introvert he wouldn't have liked being written about on the internet! 

Broccoli Salad (vinegar and oil type) - in this photo, an individual serving in a crystal coupe / www.delightfulrepast.com


This broccoli salad is a non-creamy, vinegar and oil, "Italian" dressing kind of salad, unlike the other one which has more ingredients and a creamy dressing with a touch of sweetness. Which kind do you prefer? I like both. Oh, at some point I'll have to tell you another salad story--one where Daddy refused to eat "that damn hippie crap"!

Broccoli Salad / www.delightfulrepast.com

Daddy's Broccoli Salad


(Makes 8 servings)  

1 to 1.25 pounds broccoli, chopped
1 large green* bell pepper, chopped
3 medium tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup very finely chopped red onion, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt 
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

* Yellow would have been lovely, but the yellow bell peppers were imported; so, of course, I bought the more "local" green ones.

1 In 2-quart bowl, combine chopped vegetables. Aim for 1/4-inch dice on the broccoli stems and bell pepper.

2 Add the remaining ingredients directly to the bowl--no need to make the dressing in a separate bowl. Stir until well combined. 

3 Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. After a couple of hours, give it a stir and taste and adjust seasoning. 

Jean

66 comments:

Grant said...

Yum, healthy and delicious, your Dad nailed it. I often make something like this for dinner, it's quick simple and yet always a fave.

smiles, Grant

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Grant! It's nice having a salad you can dress in advance and still find it crisp and crunchy two days later.

Angie's Recipes said...

Broccoli salad in a jar...I love the idea and the salad looks fabulous, Jean.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Angie, thank you. We like broccoli so much more raw than cooked.

Unknown said...

I love this post, more because of you talking about your Daddy and the memories of this salad, but the salad looks pretty darn good too!!
By the way.. my dad HATES when I talk about him on my blog!! lol

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Jenn, I didn't start blogging until after he died. He didn't have a clue about cyberstuff - I would have had a tough time explaining blogs to him! Does your dad follow your blog?

Anonymous said...

This salad looks really delicate

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Dank je, Sketched Chef. I'm looking at your blog now - looks like I'm already picking up a few Dutch words!

Richard Sheppard said...

This looks tasty Jean, and a fun story to go along with it. Yes, anything can get tiring after eating it nine days in a row! Broccoli is one of my favorite vegs especially when not cooked. I'm not fond of leftover cooked broccoli because of the sulfur. Love those jars too.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Richard! You can pack a jar or two to take along on one of your sketching expeditions!

Amy said...

This broccoli salad is so pretty. I love recipes that has a family story...or simply pass down from previous generation.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Amy! You might like my cream gravy post then - it has a "story."

Sippity Sup said...

Broccoli is hippie crap? Of course I'm a hippie so what do I know? GREG

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

No, Greg, there was no broccoli on the luncheon table the day my father pushed his chair away without taking a bite and making the famous "hippie crap" pronouncement!

Thomas "Sully" Sullivan said...

Wonderfully written. Pretty to look at. Healthy, too. Of course…it’s broccoli. I rest my case. Broccoli is why I licked the silver plate off of forks. Otherwise I would’ve had to employ that utensil in the eating of those little trees. Save the trees! That’s my motto. I’ve saved quite a few. But your writing was splendid. Love the back stories you sometimes work in. You really should take a shot at fiction, what with your light character building touch that nonetheless delivers in depth. Author, author!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Sully! Just email me some story ideas, and I'll get right on that novel! I wouldn't even know where to start with coming up with a concept.

yummychunklet said...

Great jar dish!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Chunklet! Aren't jars fun!

Charles said...

Oh, I'd be all over this! I'm not really a fan of broccoli when it's all cooked and mushy but roasted, stir-fried, or raw I go crazy for it. The flavour is delicious. This salad looks really good Jean... though I'm not sure if I'd be able to take it for 9 meals, haha - that's quite a feat!

My father reads my blog... he doesn't really feature much, although he's doing something at the moment which I promised to give him a shout-out for when it's done!! Mystery, mystery!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Charles! And I shall eagerly await the mysterious post featuring your father!

Anonymous said...

We love broccoli and even grand daughter Serenity loves it as well.......so then we must give this recipe a whirl! The photos are really great!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks! I hope Serenity likes the salad as well.

Michelle said...

This salad looks wonderful! Can't wait to try it! I think it's going to be a big hit in our house. Sending some foodie love your way! Thanks for sharing it with us at Fooide Fridays!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Michelle, thank you! I think of my dad every time I make it.

Cranberry Morning said...

I'm sure I'd like this, but would probably make a quart at most. Got a kick out of your Daddy story! :-))

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

Oh Jean, I loved this post. Food brings back so many memories of loved ones. Your Daddy sounded like a character. I can't wait to hear about the "hippie crap". Oh I love broccoli salad, but maybe not for that many meals. ♥

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Judy! I can't imagine when I would ever make the quantity of it that he did!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Martha, thank you. Yes, he definitely was a character. What, you don't want broccoli salad for every meal all week long? (We DID get a break for breakfast, though!)

Marisa Franca @ Allourway said...

Great story!! My papà was a real character too and he was totally lost in the kitchen. He did help my mamma dry dishes once I was away from home. And salad for breakfast is amazing :-) I'm surprised he didn't think of it. I do love broccoli and the colors you have now are gorgeous! I'll have to make some up for the week. :-) We have a salad every single night. Have a great day!!

Lady of the Manor said...

I called my dad "Daddy" too, but he wasn't a cook! This recipe sounds delicious and what wonderful memories. I'll be interested in reading about "that hippie salad!" Have a great week! Zenda

Jeanie said...

This looks fabulous and my kind of summer salad. I love the individual packing for picnics and I especially love that the dressing doesn't include cream or mayo so that if it sets out for awhile, you don't have that spoilage problem to worry about. It might not be as tasty as if it were cold but it won't poison you, either! That's a load of salad and I can see how you could adjust it, too -- if you don't have this, add that!

This one will definitely be made and probably VERY SOON!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Marisa. Yes, I like salad for breakfast, too, and HE actually ate his broccoli salad with his breakfast, but for some reason didn't seem to mind if WE skipped it at breakfast! :D

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Zenda, thank you! And how nice to hear from another "Daddy's girl!" Yes, I'll have to work the "hippie salad" into a post soon.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Jeanie. I, too, am extremely careful about food safety. I have a tendency to step into the role of "food safety police" at any large gathering where food is sitting out. It isn't always welcome either!

Cocoa and Lavender said...

I'm not sure I could've eaten this for nine meals in a row, Jean, but I could definitely do a couple! I love stories that go with recipes – the stories make them so much more real!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks so much, David. And I'd do it again to make Daddy happy -- I miss him so much!

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Jean, I always called my father Daddy too. My mother and her siblings always called my grandfather Daddy so it just kind of kept going. My Daddy did cook some after I was grown and out of the house. Most of it was deep fried or a sloppy boiled dinner which I still detest to this day but thankfully, I didn't have to eat it. Whew! My mother didn't enjoy cooking {she made a lot of boiled dinners} so she let him into her kitchen as often as he liked. I adore broccoli salad and I will eat it any way I can get it. My recipe is the sweet creamy type with cheddar cheese but I'm happy with any kind. I enjoyed your sweet story of your Daddy and I miss mine dreadfully as well. Thanks for sharing with us and have a lovely day!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Sandi, thanks for sharing your Daddy story, too. I'm just glad my dad didn't make boiled dinners -- I couldn't eat that nine times in a row! :D

aleenaribena said...

Ooh this looks lovely! My kids both love broccoli, so I'm sure this would be a winner! #DreamTeam

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you! Isn't it wonderful to have children who love broccoli?!

Margie said...

This tasty salad would be perfect for a summer BBQ!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Margie. And I can tell you it really is! It goes beautifully with barbecued foods.

TONY said...

I like the jar and lid design Jean. Are you going into production?
Do you have county fairs like we do in England? I can see you setting up a stall at the Surrey County Fair , near Guildford, every year, and selling crate loads of broccoli salad, and preserves of all kinds.
All the best, Tony

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Tony, thanks. We do have county fairs, huge productions in some counties. I've never entered anything in the fair, though I always like to look at all the entries.

Lowcarb team member said...

So nutritious and delicious ...

All the best Jan

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

Yum, I would like this salad. I also like the creamy version, but I suspect this one is better calorie-wise. Thank you for coming to visit my blog! -Jenn

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Jan!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Jenn, thank you. I like both, but besides having fewer calories, I think this one is more "refreshing" for summer!

Karen @ Beatrice Euphemie said...

Love the story about your Daddy's salad! It does look very fresh and healthy! I like both kinds of dressing, depending on my mood :) xx Karen

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing this special recipe of your Daddy's. John has diabetes and this is perfect for his diet. We both love broccoli salad. I always called my father "daddy" also.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Karen, thank you. I'd like a big bowl of it for breakfast today!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Mildred, thank you. I hope John will like it. Diabetes is difficult to cope with.

Quinn said...

I love broc and this sounds so refreshing I will save the recipe and try it soon. Full disclosure: I'm kind of like your Dad, in that I will make a big bowl of something and eat it every day - with pleasure - until it is gone. Never thought of doing that to guests, though! ;)

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Quinn. I hope you'll make it soon. And I don't really mind doing that myself, I must confess; but my husband won't stand for it! :D

April J Harris said...

I so enjoyed reading about your late Daddy, Jean. I love family food history! His broccoli salad looks amazing, so fresh and tasty, but I agree, eating it nine times in a row might be a little much :-) Thank you so much for sharing this yummy recipe and lovely post with Hearth and Soul. Sharing on the Hearth and Soul Facebook page.

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

I loved hearing the memories of your Daddy's broccoli salad, Jean. Doesn't food always bring us back to loved ones? I've only had the kind of broccoli salad with a creamy dressing, but your dad's version sounds so tasty, and I love it being served in canning jars. Thanks for sharing!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

April, thank you! I really miss him and his quirks!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Kitty! It was fun writing up one of my family food stories.

Unknown said...

What a great idea - we are forever just boiling up brocolli and I get so bored with it! Thanks for linking up to #dreamteam x

Carlee said...

What a perfect salad for Father's Day! We should make some in jars like yours and take it on a picnic! Thank you so much for sharing at our Father's Day party!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Bridget! My dad came up with his recipe on his own when my sister was undergoing cancer treatment and following a certain diet that included a lot of raw foods. She had always liked cooked broccoli, so he figured (and quite rightly) that she would like it raw as well.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thank you, Carlee. I put it in jars to take for lunches (work or school) or for picnics. It's a cool, fresh salad that holds up well sitting in its dressing, unlike lettuce salads.

Susan J Meyerott, M.S. said...

Love your story and love your Daddy's Broccoli salad! I just sent you a picture of my Daddy's Broccoli from the garden. We learned some great cooking from our Daddys!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks, Sue! I'll have to check my email now and see your daddy's broccoli!

Vee said...

Looks delicious and very healthful. Your dad sounds like a fun one. Mine was, too, unless he wasn't. 🙂 I'm sure your dad would be fine with your talking about him now. Who else could do a better job?!

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Thanks so much, Vee! "Unless he wasn't." :D Men of that generation were different than those of later generations.