Broccoli Salad

This broccoli salad recipe is a refreshing mix of crunchy broccoli florets, crisp bacon, and chewy cranberries, balanced with sharp cheddar and sunflower seeds for an irresistible blend.

Perfect for any gathering or a healthy, light meal, it’s a dish everyone will love!

With a creamy dressing that lightly coats each ingredient, this salad strikes a balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Easy to prepare and even better when made ahead, it’s an ideal recipe to enjoy fresh from the fridge.

Key Ingredients for Broccoli Salad

  • Broccoli florets – The heart of the salad, delivering a satisfying crunch and a nutritious base.
  • Crumbled bacon – Adds a crispy, smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the fresh vegetables.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese – A coarsely shredded cheese for a bite of sharp, creamy flavor in every forkful.
  • Dried cranberries – Offers a chewy, sweet counterpoint to the savory elements in the salad.
  • Red onion – Finely diced for a touch of pungency, adding depth without overpowering.
  • Salted sunflower seeds – These little seeds bring a nutty, salty crunch that complements the fresh broccoli.

Dressing Ingredients

  • Mayonnaise – The base of the dressing, creating a creamy texture with a mild flavor.
  • Sour cream – Adds a slight tanginess, balancing the sweetness of the cranberries and dressing.
  • White wine vinegar – For a light acidity that brightens the overall flavor profile.
  • Sugar – A small touch for sweetness, blending the flavors in perfect harmony.
  • Salt and black pepper – Seasonings to enhance each component of the salad.

How to Make This Broccoli Salad

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets with cheddar cheese, cranberries, bacon, sunflower seeds, and diced red onion.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  3. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss thoroughly, making sure every piece is evenly coated.
  4. For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld. Give it another toss before serving.

Tips for the Best Broccoli Salad

For extra crunch, consider toasting the sunflower seeds lightly before adding them to the salad. This brings out a nuttier flavor that pairs beautifully with the broccoli and bacon. Feel free to swap dried cranberries for raisins if you prefer a different sweetness or add in a handful of shredded carrots for extra color and nutrition. The dressing can be adjusted to taste; try adding a touch more vinegar if you prefer a tangier flavor or an extra pinch of sugar for a hint more sweetness.

Storing Leftover Broccoli Salad

Store any leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. While the flavors actually deepen as the salad sits, keep in mind that the broccoli will become softer with time. Give the salad a fresh toss before serving, and consider adding a few extra sunflower seeds for crunch if it’s been stored overnight. Enjoy it cold directly from the fridge, as this salad tastes best when chilled!

Broccoli Salad Recipe

A delightful broccoli salad featuring crisp bacon, sweet cranberries, and other flavorful mix-ins. Perfect as a side or light meal!
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Rezept drucken Merken
Gericht: Salad
Land: American
Keyword: Broccoli Salad Recipe
Vorbereitung: 10 minutes
Zubereitung: 1 hour
Gesamtzeit: 1 hour 10 minutes
Portionen: 8 Cups

Zutaten

  • 5-6 cups broccoli florets approximately 1 lb or 2 ½ heads, 450g
  • ½ cup crumbled bacon 60g
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese coarsely shredded (115g)
  • ⅔ cup dried cranberries 85g
  • ⅓ cup red onion finely diced (50g)
  • ½ cup salted sunflower seeds 60g
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise olive oil mayo preferred, 175g
  • ¼ cup sour cream 70g
  • 1 ½ tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons sugar 40g
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Anleitungen

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, cranberries, bacon, sunflower seeds, and diced red onion.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  • Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
  • For optimal flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving. Toss the salad again prior to serving.
  • Store in the refrigerator if not serving immediately.