FRESH BROCCOLI/MANDARIN SALAD

Fresh Broccoli/Mandarin Salad image

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

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

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

Steps:

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., 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., 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 : Calories 227 calories, Fat 15g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 49mg cholesterol, Sodium 145mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (17g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein.