Delicious Broccoli Salad
A vibrant and tasty salad combining fresh broccoli with savory bacon, sweet cranberries, and nutty sunflower seeds, ideal for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or slivered almonds
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
For the Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar or honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli florets, bacon, red onion, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and cheddar cheese.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) to allow flavors to meld.
- Stir well before serving, and add optional toppings if desired.
Notes
For added crunch, toast sunflower seeds or almonds before adding them to the salad. If you prefer a tangier salad, increase the amount of apple cider vinegar in the dressing. Experiment with different cheese varieties such as feta or pepper jack for an exciting twist. To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and consider adding more nuts or chickpeas for protein. Chill the salad for a longer time to enhance the flavors.