This Broccoli Salad is a show-stealer loaded with crunchy broccoli, smoky bacon, and sweet cranberries, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. It's the perfect balance of flavors and textures, and absolutely irresistible at any table. Ideal for BBQs, potlucks, or even just a special weeknight dinner, this salad promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until well combined.
1 cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons sugar, Salt & pepper to taste
In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets, sliced red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and crumbled bacon.
8 cups broccoli, ⅓ cup red onion, ½ cup dried cranberries, ¼ cup sunflower seeds, ½ cup bacon
Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture and gently toss to coat evenly.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
Broccoli Prep: Make sure the broccoli is cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces so that each piece is coated evenly with dressing and easy to eat.
Bacon: For the best flavor, use freshly cooked, real bacon. The extra effort adds a smoky richness that can't be beaten. In a pinch, you can use bacon bits.
Cranberries: You can swap out the dried cranberries for raisins or chopped dried apricots if you have those handy instead.
Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your taste, adjust the amount of sugar in the dressing. Some like it sweeter, while others may prefer a more tangy flavor.
Dressing Thickness: If the dressing feels too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out for easier mixing.
Add Cheese: For an extra layer, consider adding some sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled feta, or creamy goat cheese.
Let It Sit: Allowing the salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving really helps all of the flavors come together for the best taste.
Vegetarian Option: Make sure to omit the bacon or use a vegetarian bacon alternative to keep it suitable for vegetarians.
Can I use frozen broccoli for this salad? It's best to use fresh broccoli to maintain the crunch and texture of the salad. Frozen broccoli can become too soft and waterlogged once thawed.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate: Transfer any leftover salad to an airtight container and store the salad in the refrigerator. It’s best to eat it within 3 days.
Mix Before Serving: If the salad has been sitting in the fridge, give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
Hold Off on Dressing: If you anticipate having leftovers, keep some of the salad undressed and only add the dressing to what you'll eat immediately. This keeps the ingredients from getting too mushy.