The Best Broccoli Salad : Crunchy Family Favorite Recipe

Introduction

This broccoli salad is a crunchy family favorite that combines fresh vegetables, savory bacon, and a tangy, sweet dressing. Easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings or a quick side dish, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients

• 5 cups broccoli florets, chopped
• ½ cup precooked bacon, crumbled
• ½ cup red onion, finely diced
• ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds
• ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins

For the Dressing:

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Chop the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. For a slightly softer texture, blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 30 seconds, then rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, precooked bacon, red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds (or almonds), and dried cranberries (or raisins).
3. Step 3: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or sugar), salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add chopped celery or shredded carrots.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to make a lighter dressing.
• Use walnuts or pecans instead of sunflower seeds or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
• Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey depending on your preference.

Storage

Store the broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and may soften over time, so it’s ideal to prepare it as close to serving time as possible.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend, but try to serve it within 1-2 days to keep the broccoli crisp.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries can be quite tart and firm, so dried cranberries or raisins work better for this recipe’s texture and flavor. If using fresh, consider cooking them slightly to soften their bite.

The Best Broccoli Salad : Crunchy Family Favorite Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 138 reviews

This Best Broccoli Salad is a crunchy, flavorful family favorite combining fresh broccoli florets with savory bacon, sharp cheddar, crunchy nuts, and sweet dried cranberries, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side dish for gatherings or a light, healthy snack.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 minute (optional blanching)
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 5 cups broccoli florets, chopped
• ½ cup precooked bacon, crumbled
• ½ cup red onion, finely diced
• ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds
• ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins

Dressing Ingredients

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broccoli: Chop the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. For a slightly softer texture, blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve crunch.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, precooked bacon, finely diced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds (or chopped almonds), and dried cranberries (or raisins). Toss gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
3. Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or sugar), salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Everything: Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture. Toss thoroughly until every component is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill nicely, enhancing taste and texture.

Notes

• For a softer broccoli texture, blanch briefly before mixing.
• Sunflower seeds can be substituted with chopped almonds or walnuts for different nutty flavors.
• Honey can be replaced with sugar if preferred.
• This salad is best served chilled and can be prepared a few hours in advance.
• Adjust salt and pepper to taste based on dietary preferences.

Keywords: broccoli salad, crunchy salad, family favorite salad, broccoli with bacon, creamy broccoli salad, healthy side dish