Name: The Best Broccoli Salad: A Quick & Easy Crowd-Pleaser
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups broccoli florets, washed and dried; 1/2 small red onion, finely diced; 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/3 cup sunflower seeds; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp honey; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This broccoli salad is the perfect balance of fresh, crunchy, and creamy, making it a fantastic side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a dish for a summer picnic, a holiday gathering, or just a quick weekday meal, this salad is sure to please. The vibrant mix of textures and flavors, from the crisp broccoli to the creamy dressing and the added crunch of nuts, makes it both delicious and satisfying. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requires no cooking, and can be made ahead of time!

Ingredients

broccoli florets
red onion
bacon
cheddar cheese
sunflower seeds
dried cranberries
mayonnaise
Greek yogurt
apple cider vinegar
honey
salt
pepper

Directions

Prepare the Broccoli – Wash and dry the broccoli florets. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
Chop the Red Onion – Finely dice the red onion to ensure it evenly distributes throughout the salad.
Cook the Bacon – Fry the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces.
Grate the Cheese – Use a cheese grater to shred the cheddar cheese.
Make the Dressing – In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, add the broccoli, red onion, bacon, cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries.
Add the Dressing – Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Chill Before Serving – Allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Serve and Enjoy – Give the salad a final toss before serving.

Variations

Dairy-Free: Replace the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative.
Nut-Free: Swap sunflower seeds for roasted pumpkin seeds or leave them out entirely.
Vegan-Friendly: Use plant-based bacon and a vegan dressing substitute.
Extra Crunch: Add chopped almonds or walnuts for more texture.
Sweeter Option: Include extra dried cranberries or even a handful of raisins.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended as the texture of the broccoli may change.
Reheating: No reheating required—enjoy this salad chilled!

FAQs

How do I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the salad up to a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and give it a quick toss before serving.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Fresh broccoli is best for this salad, as frozen broccoli can become too soft once thawed.

What other cheeses can I use?

You can substitute cheddar with feta, parmesan, or gouda for a different flavor profile.

How do I cut down on calories?

Use light mayo, low-fat Greek yogurt, and turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Try adding shredded carrots, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and crunch.

What can I use instead of apple cider vinegar?

White vinegar or lemon juice can be used as a substitute.

Can I make this without bacon?

Yes! Simply leave out the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian alternative.

How do I make the dressing less sweet?

Reduce or omit the honey if you prefer a tangier dressing.

Is this salad keto-friendly?

To make it keto-friendly, omit the dried cranberries and use a sugar-free sweetener in the dressing.

Can I serve this warm?

While this salad is traditionally served cold, you could blanch the broccoli for a few seconds and serve it slightly warm.

Conclusion

This broccoli salad is a must-try for anyone looking for a fresh, crunchy, and creamy side dish that’s easy to prepare. It’s versatile enough to fit different dietary preferences and is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, nutritious salad that will keep you coming back for more!

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