Description
This Best Broccoli Salad Recipe features crisp fresh broccoli, savory bacon, sweet cranberries, and crunchy sunflower seeds all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 large heads), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled (about 8–10 slices)
- 1 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup dried cranberries (or raisins for a traditional option)
- 1 cup sunflower seeds, roasted and unsalted
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed small (optional)
- 1 cup mayonnaise (use high-quality for best results)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons honey or granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash the broccoli thoroughly under cold running water. Cut the florets into bite-sized pieces, approximately ½-inch pieces.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces.
- Finely dice the red onion. If using cheese, cut into small cubes.
- In a medium bowl, make the dressing by combining mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Whisk until completely smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, cranberries, and sunflower seeds. If using cheese, add it to the mixture.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Toss again just before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Notes
For the crispest broccoli salad, thoroughly dry the broccoli after washing. If you prefer softer broccoli, blanch the florets in boiling water for 60 seconds, then immediately plunge into ice water. For a healthier version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No Cook, Mix
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: best broccoli salad recipe, broccoli salad, creamy broccoli salad, broccoli bacon salad, potluck salad, make ahead salad, broccoli cranberry salad