Description
A crunchy, creamy salad featuring broccoli, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds, perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 cups broccoli florets, raw
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or slivered almonds, toasted
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the broccoli: Rinse and dry the florets thoroughly. Chop into uniform, bite-size pieces.
- Toast seeds and cook bacon (optional): Heat a small skillet and toast sunflower seeds until fragrant. Cook bacon until crisp and chop.
- Make the dressing: Whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey in a bowl until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss everything: In a large bowl, combine broccoli, red onion, dried fruit, toasted seeds, bacon, and cheddar. Pour the dressing over and toss gently.
- Chill briefly: For the best texture, chill the salad for 20–30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Add a festive twist with pomegranate seeds or make it a warm side by lightly blanching the broccoli.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: broccoli salad, potluck salad, easy salad recipes