THE BEST BROCCOLI SALAD YOU WILL EVER TASTE

Broccoli salad is not necessarily a dish that I gravitate to on salad bars or at picnics. I don't dislike broccoli salad, but usually, the base is mayonnaise and a whole lot of sugar. When it comes to sugar, I would rather eat a piece of poundcake instead of eating it in a broccoli salad.

We recently hosted a family reunion, and I made broccoli salad for it. I know what you are thinking. It's odd that I would pick to make a dish that I rarely eat to make at a family reunion, but I had interviewed the owner of the North Carolina-based Little Black Dressing Company for a North Carolina product campaign and really became a fan of her dressings after trying them.

And you all may hate me right now if you do not live in North Carolina (because unless you order the dressing online you will not be able to replicate this recipe) because I firmly the believe that the Creamy Dreamy Vinegarette dressing is what makes this salad so delicious  Will thinks the cranberries and glazed walnuts help, too, but I know with 100 percent confidence that it is the dressing that is the star.  I also have to give credit to the talented high school student Lillian Knepp who won $500 for the development of this recipe at the Dixie Classic Fair in North Carolina's Triad area.

The BEST BROCCOLI SALAD YOU  WILL EVER TASTE RECIPE

• 4cupsbroccoli florets
• 3/4cupdried cranberries
• 3/4 cup   chopped walnuts
• 3/4 cupColby Jack cheese
• 1/2cupshredded carrot for garnish
• 1cupDreamy Creamy Vinaigrette

1. Cut fresh broccoli off stem and into small florets. In a large mixing bowl, mix broccoli, dressing, cranberries, cheese, and walnuts. Pour into serving bowl and garnish with shredded carrots or extra cheese.

Note: I used glazed walnuts

Creamy Dreamy Vinegarette can be found in North Carolina specialty stores, Lowes Foods, and Fresh Market.  It is always in the refrigerated section near the produce.