Description

This vibrant and crunchy Broccoli Salad is a perfect make-ahead side dish combining fresh broccoli florets with savory bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds. Tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey, this salad offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Ideal for potlucks, summer meals, or as a healthy addition to any table, it requires no cooking and comes together quickly with minimal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

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

Dressing

3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, finely chopped red onion, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds. Gently toss these ingredients together to begin mixing.
Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Toss salad with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the combined salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss thoroughly to ensure that every piece is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the salad to chill properly.
Serve: Just before serving, toss the salad again to refresh the coating of dressing on the ingredients. Enjoy as a flavorful and crunchy side dish.

Notes

For a lighter dressing, substitute some or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt to reduce fat and increase protein.
This salad can be prepared up to one day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator to save time.
For additional crunch and flavor, consider adding sliced almonds or chopped apples to the salad.