Description
“This easy broccoli salad is a perfect blend of crunchy, creamy, and tangy flavors with fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, dried cranberries, and a delicious dressing. A great make-ahead side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or meal prep!”
Ingredients
Scale
- Broccoli Salad:
- 5 cups fresh broccoli florets (bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Dressing:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey (or sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli – Wash and dry the broccoli. Cut into small, bite-sized florets for the best texture and flavor.
- Mix the Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds (or almonds), shredded cheese, and crumbled bacon.
- Make the Dressing – In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or sugar), salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Combine & Toss – Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss everything together until well coated.
- Chill & Serve – For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Healthier Dressing – Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter option.
- Different Nuts – Swap sunflower seeds for pecans, walnuts, or cashews.
- Extra Crunch – Add diced apples for a sweet, juicy twist.
- More Protein – Toss in grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs for a heartier dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: no cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: broccoli salad, easy side dish, creamy broccoli salad, bacon broccoli salad, make-ahead salad