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This broccoli salad transforms humble florets into a crowd-pleasing side dish that disappears within minutes at every potluck. The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates a refreshing salad that even reluctant vegetable eaters can't resist.
I first made this broccoli salad for a neighborhood barbecue when I needed something that could withstand sitting out. It received so many compliments that it's now my signature contribution to every gathering.
Ingredients
- Fresh broccoli florets the star of the show providing crunch and nutrition
- Red onion adds a pleasant sharpness that balances the creamy dressing
- Dried cranberries bring a pop of sweetness and beautiful color contrast
- Sunflower seeds contribute essential crunch and nutty flavor
- Bacon bits deliver savory depth that makes the salad irresistible
- Mayonnaise creates the creamy base of the dressing
- Apple cider vinegar cuts through the richness with necessary tanginess
- Granulated sugar balances the acidity and enhances the flavors
- Salt and pepper for seasoning perfection
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the dressing
- Combine mayonnaise apple cider vinegar sugar salt and pepper in a medium bowl and whisk until perfectly smooth. The dressing should have a pourable consistency but still coat the back of a spoon. Allow flavors to meld while you prepare the vegetables.
- Prep the broccoli
- Cut broccoli into small bite-sized florets ensuring they're small enough to eat in one bite. Pat thoroughly dry with paper towels to prevent a watery salad. The smaller pieces absorb more dressing and are easier to eat.
- Combine ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl add broccoli red onion dried cranberries sunflower seeds and bacon bits. Pour the prepared dressing over everything and fold gently with a rubber spatula until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill thoroughly
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour or up to 24 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to develop and the broccoli to slightly soften in the dressing.
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This broccoli salad recipe reminds me of my grandmother who insisted that raw vegetables needed time to "get friendly" with their dressing. She was right the magic happens during that hour of chilling when the broccoli slightly softens while maintaining its satisfying crunch.
Make-Ahead Tips
This broccoli salad actually improves with time making it an ideal make-ahead dish. Prepare it up to 24 hours before serving but leave out the sunflower seeds and about half the bacon bits. Keep these crunchy elements separate and fold them in just before serving to maintain their texture. The broccoli itself will soften slightly in the dressing creating the perfect bite.
Customization Options
The basic recipe provides an excellent foundation for customization based on preferences or what you have available. Swap dried cranberries for raisins or dried cherries for different sweetness profiles. Replace sunflower seeds with slivered almonds toasted walnuts or pepitas. Add diced cheddar cheese for richness or chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein. For a vegetarian version simply omit the bacon and add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for that smoky flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This broccoli salad partners beautifully with grilled meats especially barbecue chicken hamburgers or ribs. Its creamy tanginess cuts through rich foods making it the perfect accompaniment to summer cookouts. For a complete meal serve alongside a rotisserie chicken and crusty bread. The salad also works wonderfully as part of a larger buffet spread or packed in lunch containers for a week of healthy meal prep.
Common Queries
- → Do I need to cook the broccoli for this salad?
No, the broccoli is used raw in this recipe. Just make sure to cut the florets into bite-sized pieces and dry them thoroughly so they don't water down the dressing.
- → Can I make this broccoli salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad actually improves with time. It should chill for at least one hour before serving, but can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- → How long do leftovers keep in the refrigerator?
Leftover broccoli salad will stay fresh for 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- → Can I substitute the homemade dressing?
Yes, if you're short on time, store-bought coleslaw dressing can be used as a substitute for the homemade dressing in this recipe.
- → What can I add to this broccoli salad for extra flavor?
You can customize this salad by adding diced apples, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or swapping cranberries for raisins. For extra crunch, consider adding chopped celery or water chestnuts.
- → Is this broccoli salad healthy?
This salad contains nutritious ingredients like broccoli (high in vitamins C and K), sunflower seeds (good source of healthy fats), and cranberries (rich in antioxidants). If you're watching calories, you can use light mayonnaise and reduce the amount of bacon.