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The Best Broccoli Salad

The Best Broccoli Salad

5.1 from 15 reviews

A crunchy and flavorful broccoli salad featuring fresh broccoli florets, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, crunchy sunflower seeds, and sweet dried cranberries, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey. This salad is perfect as a side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or a refreshing snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 5 cups broccoli florets, chopped
  • ½ cup precooked bacon, crumbled
  • ½ cup red onion, finely diced
  • ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds
  • ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins

Dressing Ingredients

  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Broccoli: Chop the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. For a slightly softer texture, blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve the bright green color.
  2. Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, crumbled precooked bacon, finely diced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries. Toss gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined with a nice balance of tangy and sweet flavors.
  4. Combine Everything: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly with the creamy dressing.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold as a refreshing side dish or salad.

Notes

  • For a nut-free option, omit sunflower seeds or almonds.
  • Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing version.
  • Add chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
  • Use raw sugar or maple syrup instead of honey for variations in sweetness.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh for crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, crispy bacon salad, creamy broccoli salad, easy vegetable salad, healthy side dish, make-ahead salad