Description
A vibrant and crunchy broccoli salad with red onions, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, bacon bits, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, washed and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 6–8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded or cubed cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- A handful of sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Place 6-8 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and let cool, then crumble into small pieces.
- Prepare the broccoli: Wash 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets thoroughly. Cut into bite-sized pieces, removing any tough stems. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure the dressing sticks.
- Slice the onion: Thinly slice half a red onion. If you’re sensitive to raw onion flavor, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the taste, then drain.
- Make the dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the chopped broccoli, red onion, crumbled bacon, 1/3 cup dried cranberries, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and a handful of sunflower seeds.
- Add the dressing: Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. Take your time to ensure every piece is covered for maximum flavor.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve and enjoy: Give the salad one last toss before serving. Garnish with extra sunflower seeds or cranberries for a pretty touch.
Notes
[‘Use fresh broccoli for the best texture.’, ‘Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.’, ‘Cook and crumble the bacon ahead of time to save time.’, ‘Adjust the dressing sweetness by reducing honey or adding more apple cider vinegar.’, ‘Soak onion slices in cold water to mellow the flavor if needed.’]
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 8
Keywords: broccoli salad, creamy dressing, healthy salad, quick lunch, potluck recipe