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