This bright and refreshing Broccoli Salad is perfect for your next party, picnic, or potluck! Easy to make with your favorite add-ins like dried cranberries, bacon bits, or cheddar cheese.
Looking for more easy salad recipes? Try my Strawberry Spinach Salad or Asian Coleslaw next!
About This Recipe
Alright, broccoli salad might be a bit of a stretch for the Christmas season, but broccoli was on sale everywhere this week, so I decided to make it 😅. At least it's green and red...? This is the beauty of being an adult. I can make whatever I want whenever I want.
Broccoli Salad is typically what I make in the summer. It's cold, refreshing, and has layers of texture from sunflower seeds, crispy bacon, and, of course, fresh broccoli. I love that it keeps really well in the fridge (doesn't get mushy), making it great for meal-prepped lunch for the week.
Because the flavor of raw broccoli is slightly sweet, I like to use a slightly sharper vinegar, like apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar, and add plenty of tart, dried cranberries.
Key Ingredients
Broccoli florets: I used 3 heads of broccoli, which I cut into small florets. I do not recommend frozen broccoli as the texture would be very mushy.
Cheddar cheese: Adds rich, slightly tangy flavor to the salad.
Red onions: I personally love the spicy flavor of red onions in this salad, but if you do not like onions, you could omit them, or soak them in cold water for 15 minutes to reduce their pungency.
Dried cranberries: Add bright, tangy flavors to the salad.
Sunflower seeds: Salads are all about texture, and sunflower seeds add a good crunch to this one. You can also use sliced almonds or pumpkin seeds.
Bacon bits: Add the perfect savory contrast to the other refreshing flavors.
For the dressing: You'll need mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.
Instructions
STEP 1: In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
STEP 2: Combine all the salad ingredients in a large bowl.
STEP 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. The broccoli salad can be served immediately, but tastes best after chilling in the fridge for one hour.
Best Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
For the dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 ½ tablespoons honey
- salt and pepper (to taste)
For the salad
- 6-7 cups broccoli florets (about 3 heads)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup chopped red onions
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ½ cup bacon bits
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine all the salad ingredients in a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. The broccoli salad can be served immediately, but tastes the best after chilling in the fridge for one hour.
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