Fresh Broccoli/Mandarin Salad

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. + chilling

Makes

12 servings

Updated: Oct. 21, 2022
I write a food column for our local newspaper, and I consider myself a pretty good judge of recipes. But I'll admit I was surprised by this one—I didn't think the usual ingredients would go together as well as they do. —Connie Blommers, Pella, Iowa
Fresh Broccoli/Mandarin Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • CUSTARD DRESSING:
  • 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 large egg plus 1 large egg yolk, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons butter, softened
  • SALAD:
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, 1-inch cuts
  • 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
  • 1/2 medium red onion, sliced in 1/8-inch-thick rings
  • 1 can (11 ounces) mandarin oranges, drained
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins

Directions

  1. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and mustard. Combine vinegar and water. Stir into sugar mixture until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat.
  2. Stir a small amount of hot filling into egg and yolk; return all to pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Gently stir in mayonnaise and butter. Cool to room temperature without stirring. Chill.
  3. In a large salad bowl, combine the broccoli, mushrooms, onion, oranges, bacon, almonds and raisins. Pour dressing over salad; toss to coat. Store in refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 227 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 145mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.