If you brighten up your salad routine, the Broccoli Cranberry Salad with Honey Mayo Dressing Recipe is a vibrant, crunchy, and delightfully tangy option that you will absolutely love. This salad brings together fresh, crisp broccoli florets with the sweet chewiness of dried cranberries, all crowned by a luscious honey mayo dressing that perfectly balances creaminess, sweetness, and a gentle tang from apple cider vinegar. It’s a dish that delivers not only color and texture but also layers of flavor that make every bite exciting. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck or enjoying it as a refreshing side, this salad has quickly become one of my go-to favorites to prepare and share.

Broccoli Cranberry Salad with Honey Mayo Dressing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the first step toward creating this unforgettable salad. Each contributes something special, from the crunchy broccoli to the sweet cranberries and the zesty, creamy dressing that ties everything together.

4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped: The crunchy base full of freshness and bright green color that gives the salad its signature texture.
1/2 cup dried cranberries: Adding bursts of natural sweetness and chewy contrast to the crisp broccoli.
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced: Offers a vibrant punch of color and a hint of sharpness that balances the sweeter elements.
1/4 cup sunflower seeds (or slivered almonds): These provide a delightful nutty crunch, elevating the salad’s texture.
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (optional): Adds a creamy, tangy depth that mingles perfectly with the other flavors.
1/4 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional): For those who love a smoky, savory twist, bacon brings irresistible richness.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base for the dressing, ensuring everything is luxuriously coated.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Contributes a bright tang that cuts through the richness and lifts all the flavors.
1 tablespoon honey (or sugar): Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the vinegar and mayo.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring the whole salad together perfectly.

How to Make Broccoli Cranberry Salad with Honey Mayo Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Make the Dressing

Start by creating the star sauce that effortlessly pulls all the salad ingredients together. In a small bowl, whisk together the rich mayonnaise, tangy apple cider vinegar, and sweet honey until you achieve a smooth and creamy dressing consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This dressing is wonderfully balanced, marrying creamy texture with the brightness of vinegar and the gentle sweetness of honey that keeps each bite interesting.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh, chopped broccoli florets with the chewy dried cranberries, finely diced red onion, and crunchy sunflower seeds or almonds. If you love cheese, add in the shredded sharp cheddar for a creamy, savory burst. Bacon lovers, don’t forget to sprinkle in the cooked, crumbled bacon at this point — it adds a smoky punch that makes this salad extra addictive.

Step 3: Toss with Dressing

Pour the luscious honey mayo dressing over the combined salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together until the broccoli and mix-ins are evenly coated with that creamy dressing. The goal is to ensure every bite delivers that perfect blend of flavors and textures you’re craving.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor experience, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time lets all the flavors meld together beautifully, softening the sharpness of the onion and marrying the sweet and savory components into a harmonious salad that you’ll find hard to resist.

How to Serve Broccoli Cranberry Salad with Honey Mayo Dressing Recipe

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing, think fresh and fun. A sprinkle of extra sunflower seeds or chopped almonds adds extra crunch right before serving. You can also top with a few fresh cranberry halves or thinly sliced green onions for an eye-catching, fresh element that makes the salad even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This salad is a stellar companion to a range of dishes. Pair it alongside grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even a veggie-forward main like stuffed bell peppers. It’s also fantastic with a hearty sandwich or burger, providing a bright and crisp contrast to warm, savory fare.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to amp up your presentation, serve the Broccoli Cranberry Salad with Honey Mayo Dressing Recipe in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or inside crisp lettuce cups for fun, bite-sized portions. Alternatively, layering it in a clear glass trifle bowl can show off those gorgeous colors and textures, making it a centerpiece on any table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Broccoli Cranberry Salad with Honey Mayo Dressing Recipe keeps well in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and keep that delicious crunch, although the broccoli may soften a bit over time. Give it a gentle stir before serving again.

Freezing

Because of the fresh broccoli and creamy dressing, freezing this salad is not recommended. The texture of both the vegetables and dressing tends to deteriorate once thawed, so you’ll want to enjoy this salad as fresh as possible.

Reheating

This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. It’s not intended to be reheated, as warming it would change the texture and the fresh, crisp qualities that make this dish so special.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic healthier swap that provides creaminess with a tangy twist. Just keep in mind it might make the dressing a little thinner, so adjust the amount accordingly or add a bit more honey for sweetness.

What can I substitute for dried cranberries?

If you’re not a fan of dried cranberries, raisins or dried cherries work beautifully, offering similar sweetness and chewiness that complements the broccoli perfectly.

Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! Just keep the dressing separate if you’re prepping days ahead, then toss everything together right before serving to maintain the crunchiest texture.

Can I make this salad vegan?

For a vegan version, use vegan mayonnaise and omit the cheese and bacon. Sunflower seeds add great nuttiness, so you won’t miss the bacon! You can also try smoked paprika for a hint of smoky flavor.

How long does the salad need to chill before serving?

At least 30 minutes in the fridge is ideal for the flavors to meld together, but if you can wait 1–2 hours, even better. It’s such a simple step that makes a big impact.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try the Broccoli Cranberry Salad with Honey Mayo Dressing Recipe soon because it truly is a standout salad that’s easy to make but full of personality. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, casual dinner, or lunch on the go, this salad offers a wonderful balance of crisp textures, sweet-tart flavors, and creamy indulgence that always delights. Give it a whirl — I promise it’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection, just like it is in mine!

Broccoli Cranberry Salad with Honey Mayo Dressing Recipe

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4.4 from 55 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This refreshing Broccoli Cranberry Salad combines crisp broccoli florets with sweet dried cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, sharp cheddar, and a creamy tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Enhanced with optional bacon and red onion for added texture and flavor, this easy-to-make salad is perfect for a healthy side dish or light lunch. It’s best served chilled to meld all the delicious flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad

4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup sunflower seeds (or slivered almonds)
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
1/4 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)

Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey (or sugar)
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well combined to create a tangy and slightly sweet dressing.
Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets, dried cranberries, finely diced red onion, sunflower seeds (or almonds), and shredded sharp cheddar cheese if using. Add the cooked and crumbled bacon for added savory flavor if desired.
Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the assembled salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to coat every bite with the creamy dressing, ensuring an even distribution of flavors and textures.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together perfectly and the salad to become crisp and refreshing.

Notes

You can substitute sunflower seeds with slivered almonds or walnuts for a different crunch.
Cheddar cheese and bacon are optional but add extra flavor and texture.
For a lighter version, use low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
This salad is best served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of honey or sugar in the dressing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American