If you’re craving a salad that stands out from the crowd, you’ve just discovered your new obsession: Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme! This is the kind of salad that makes you excited for second helpings. It strikes the perfect balance between crisp, crunchy broccoli, rich cheddar cheese, lightly sweet dried cranberries, and the irresistible smoky crunch of bacon. Finished with a creamy, tangy dressing and just the right touch of sunflower seeds for crunch, every bite bursts with contrast and harmony. Whether you’re meal-prepping, hosting a potluck, or in need of a colorful, satisfying side dish, Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme checks every box.

Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This beautiful salad comes together with a handful of everyday ingredients, but don’t underestimate their collective magic! Each one brings something essential, whether it’s a bold pop of color, a satisfying crunch, or that signature note of smoky, sweet, and savory flavor.

Broccoli florets: Fresh, crisp, and packed with vibrance, broccoli is the heart of this supreme salad—go for tight, bright green florets for the best crunch.
Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Adds a creamy, tangy sharpness that perfectly complements the veggies and smoky bacon.
Cooked and crumbled bacon: Smoky, salty, and impossibly delicious, bacon makes every bite sing—cooked until crisp is key!
Red onion (chopped): A little goes a long way, giving the salad a punch of zippy flavor and gorgeous purple color.
Sunflower seeds: These little seeds add an extra layer of crunch and a subtle nuttiness that balances the flavors beautifully.
Dried cranberries: Their sweet-tart chewiness pops against the savory ingredients, rounding everything out.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for your dressing—use a good-quality mayo for the smoothest texture.
Apple cider vinegar: It brings a gentle tangy zip that brightens every mouthful without overpowering.
Honey: Just a touch of natural sweetness tames the tang and ties all the flavors together.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste, letting all the bold ingredients shine without overpowering them.

How to Make Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme

Step 1: Prep the Star Ingredients

Begin your Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme adventure by cutting fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets. Make sure they’re crisp and clean! Dice your red onion finely so every forkful gets a little burst of flavor without overwhelming the salad. Shred the cheddar cheese, crumble the bacon (be generous with those crispy bits!), and have your sunflower seeds and dried cranberries measured and ready.

Step 2: Toss the Salad Base Together

In a good-sized mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, cheddar cheese, bacon, red onion, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries. Mixing these together first ensures every colorful ingredient is evenly distributed—no bland bites here! This is the moment when your kitchen starts to fill with scents that hint at the deliciousness to come.

Step 3: Whisk the Dreamy Dressing

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey until smooth and completely blended. The creamy mayo provides richness, the vinegar offers tangy brightness, and honey brings just the right hint of sweetness that sets this dressing apart.

Step 4: Marry the Flavors

Pour your dressing over the bowl of salad ingredients. Using a big spoon or spatula, toss everything together until each piece is thoroughly coated in that luscious dressing. Don’t rush this step—ensuring every element gets dressed is key to true Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme perfection!

Step 5: Season and Chill

Sprinkle in a bit of salt and pepper, tasting as you go to find your perfect balance. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving—trust me, the flavors meld into something extra special during this time. Right before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to freshen everything up.

How to Serve Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme

Garnishes

Take your Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme to new heights with a few thoughtful garnishes. A handful of extra sunflower seeds or crumbled bacon just before serving adds an eye-catching finish and irresistible crunch. For a pop of color, sprinkle a few more dried cranberries or even some freshly chopped parsley on top.

Side Dishes

This broccoli salad is wonderfully versatile. Pair it with grilled chicken, juicy burgers, or barbecue ribs for a complete meal. It’s equally at home nestled between classic summer sides like corn on the cob or potato salad. With its satisfying crunch and vibrant taste, Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme complements nearly anything on your table.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or potlucks, spoon the salad into small mason jars or individual cups for a neat, portable presentation. Or, pile it high onto a bed of mixed greens and surround it with cherry tomatoes for a lively centerpiece. Serve it in a hollowed-out bell pepper for a playful, edible bowl—just another way to make Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme even more memorable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One of the best features of Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme is how well it holds up in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh and crisp for up to three days. If the salad seems a bit dry after sitting, simply stir in an extra spoonful of mayonnaise before serving.

Freezing

While the salad shines when fresh, freezing isn’t recommended—broccoli loses its wonderful crunch and the creamy dressing can separate. For best results, just make what you’ll enjoy within a few days, or keep the dressing and salad base separate if you absolutely must prep far in advance.

Reheating

This is a salad meant to be served cold, and reheating isn’t necessary. In fact, the cool, crisp texture is a big part of its magic! If you’ve just pulled it from the refrigerator, give it a quick toss and let it sit out for a few minutes to take the chill off before serving.

FAQs

Can I make Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours (or even a day) ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the dressing?

You can substitute half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier twist. Sour cream also works, though it will change the flavor slightly.

Is Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you ensure your ingredients are certified gluten-free (double-check your mayonnaise, bacon, and any flavored sunflower seeds), the salad is naturally gluten-free.

Can I add extra veggies or fruits?

Definitely! Chopped apples or celery add even more crunch and freshness, while grapes or diced bell peppers are fun ways to switch things up. Just aim to keep the balance so the salad’s signature texture stays supreme.

What’s the best way to prep broccoli for this salad?

Use fresh broccoli and cut it into small, bite-sized florets for the best texture. Some people briefly blanch broccoli for extra tenderness, but traditional Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme uses raw broccoli for that beloved crunch.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’re armed with everything you need to make Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme, there’s nothing stopping you from bringing a little extra color and crunch to your table! Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it becomes your go-to salad for gatherings, weeknight dinners, and everything in between.

Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful and easy-to-make broccoli salad that is bursting with flavors and textures. This Flavorful Broccoli Salad Supreme is a perfect side dish for any occasion, with the crunch of fresh broccoli, the richness of cheddar cheese and bacon, and the sweet tang of cranberries in a creamy dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Broccoli Salad:

4 cups fresh broccoli florets

Add-ins:

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup dried cranberries

Dressing:

1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix broccoli, cheddar cheese, bacon, red onion, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries.
Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey until smooth.
Combine and Toss: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until well coated. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Stir once more before serving.

Notes

You can lighten the dressing by using Greek yogurt instead of half the mayonnaise.
For extra crunch, include chopped apples or celery.
This salad tastes best when served cold and can be prepared a day in advance.

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