Description
A fresh and crunchy Broccoli Salad packed with vibrant flavors, combining crisp broccoli florets, red onion, smoky bacon bits, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect as a nutritious side dish or light lunch, this salad balances sweetness and acidity, is quick to prepare, and can be easily customized to suit dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, washed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Broccoli: Start by washing fresh broccoli thoroughly and cutting it into small, bite-sized florets to ensure every bite is crisp and vibrant.
- Chop the Supporting Ingredients: Dice the red onion finely to avoid overpowering the dish, and crumble the cooked bacon into small pieces. Measure out dried cranberries and sunflower seeds as well.
- Mix the Dressing: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth to create a creamy yet bright dressing balancing sweetness and acidity.
- Combine Salad Components: In a large salad bowl, toss together the broccoli florets, red onion, bacon, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds. Pour the dressing over and mix gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the broccoli salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld the flavors and soften the onions slightly.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli for the best crunch and color.
- Cook bacon until crisp for excellent texture and flavor contrast.
- Adjust honey or maple syrup amount to suit your preferred sweetness.
- Toss salad gently to avoid bruising broccoli or breaking bacon pieces.
- Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes deepens flavor complexity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg