Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Salad is a crunchy, refreshing, and flavorful dish packed with fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, and a creamy tangy dressing.

It’s the perfect side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or meal prep. This salad balances textures and flavors—crunchy, sweet, salty, and creamy—all in one bite!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Small whisk or spoon

Ingredients Overview

• Broccoli: The star ingredient, providing crunch and freshness.
• Bacon: Adds a salty, crispy contrast.
• Dried cranberries: A touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
• Dressing: A creamy, slightly tangy dressing ties everything together.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

For the Dressing

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (or more mayo)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey (or sugar)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients
   • Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets.
   • Cook and crumble the bacon.
   • Finely dice the red onion.
2. Make the Dressing
   • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper.
3. Assemble the Salad
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, bacon, cheddar cheese, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and red onion.
   • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.
4. Chill and Serve
   • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Prep Time

10 minutes

Chill Time

30 minutes

Total Time

40 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, ~6 servings)

• Calories: ~220
• Fat: ~15g
• Carbohydrates: ~12g
• Protein: ~7g

Expert Tips

• Make Ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
• Crunchier Broccoli? Blanch it in boiling water for 30 seconds, then drain and cool before using.
• Customize It: Add chopped apples, raisins, or even cooked chicken for a heartier salad.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Fresh is best, but if using frozen, thaw and pat dry before adding to the salad.

How long does broccoli salad last?
It stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of fresh broccoli changes when thawed.

Substitutions & Variations

• Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese or use a plant-based version.
• Vegetarian: Omit the bacon or use a plant-based alternative.
• Lighter Version: Use all Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lower-fat dressing.

Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Salad is a crunchy, refreshing, and flavorful dish packed with fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, and a creamy tangy dressing.

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Equipment

• - Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• - Small whisk or spoon

Ingredients

  

• #### For the Salad
• - 4 cups fresh broccoli florets chopped
• - 1/2 cup cooked bacon crumbled
• - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• - 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• - 1/3 cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds
• - 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
• #### For the Dressing
• - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• - 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or more mayo
• - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• - 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
• - 1/2 teaspoon salt
• - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

 

• **Prepare the Ingredients**
• - Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets.
• - Cook and crumble the bacon.
• - Finely dice the red onion.
• **Make the Dressing**
• - In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper.
• **Assemble the Salad**
• - In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, bacon, cheddar cheese, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and red onion.
• - Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat.
• **Chill and Serve**
• - Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy!