Description
A refreshing and crunchy Broccoli Cranberry Salad featuring fresh broccoli, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a creamy honey-vinegar dressing. Perfect as a side dish or light snack, this salad combines vibrant flavors and textures with optional cheddar cheese and bacon for extra richness.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey (or sugar)
- Salt and pepper to taste
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, creating a balanced sweet and tangy dressing.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, add the chopped broccoli florets, dried cranberries, finely diced red onion, and sunflower seeds or almonds. If using, add the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon to the bowl.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients, then toss everything together gently to ensure all components are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Refrigerate Before Serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the broccoli to absorb some of the dressing, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and cheese or substitute with plant-based alternatives.
- Sunflower seeds can be replaced with slivered almonds or chopped walnuts for a different crunch.
- Adjust the amount of honey or sugar in the dressing to suit your preferred sweetness level.
- Make the salad ahead and refrigerate; it tastes even better after sitting for a few hours.
- Use fresh, firm broccoli florets for the best texture.
