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Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Salad

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  • Author: Nadin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian (can be made vegan with substitutions)

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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