Delicious and colorful broccoli salad with fresh ingredients

The Best Broccoli Salad

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Why Make This Recipe

Broccoli salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It combines crunchy fresh broccoli with crispy bacon bits and the sweetness of dried cranberries. This salad is not just tasty; it’s a fantastic way to enjoy healthy vegetables. It’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or even a light meal at home.

How to Make The Best Broccoli Salad

Ingredients:

  • Fresh broccoli florets
  • Bacon bits
  • Red onion
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Dried cranberries
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sugar
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, bacon bits, red onion, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and cheddar cheese.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the broccoli salad mixture and toss well to combine.
  4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

How to Serve The Best Broccoli Salad

Serve the broccoli salad cold. It makes a great side dish for grilled meats or sandwiches. You can also enjoy it as a light lunch on its own. If you want to add some extra crunch, sprinkle more sunflower seeds on top just before serving.

How to Store The Best Broccoli Salad

Keep any leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to give it a good stir before enjoying it again, as the dressing may settle.

Tips to Make The Best Broccoli Salad

  • For extra flavor, you can cook the bacon until crispy before adding it to the salad.
  • If you prefer a creamier salad, add more mayonnaise to the dressing.
  • Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar.

Variation

You can customize this salad by adding other ingredients such as sliced almonds, raisins, or diced apples for extra crunch and sweetness.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but it’s best to thaw and drain it well before using.

2. How can I make this salad healthier?
You can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute.

3. Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prepping for the week ahead.

Broccoli Salad

A delightful mix of fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, and sweet cranberries, perfect for gatherings or a light meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients
  • 4 cups Fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 cup Bacon bits Cook until crispy for extra flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Red onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup Dried cranberries
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
Dressing Ingredients
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise Add more for a creamier salad if desired.
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar Adjust sweetness to taste.
  • 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, bacon bits, red onion, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and cheddar cheese.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the broccoli salad mixture and toss well to combine.
  4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

Notes

Serve cold. It makes a great side dish or light lunch. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.