Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe

This Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe is a delightful combination of fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, dried cranberries, and a creamy dressing. It’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a side dish for any meal. Here’s a detailed recipe to guide you through making this delicious salad.

Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe

Ingredients

• For the Salad:
• 8 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 3 medium heads)
• 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped (about 8 slices)
• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup sunflower seeds or chopped nuts (optional)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
• For the Dressing:
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broccoli:

• Wash the broccoli thoroughly and dry it well. Cut the florets into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer, you can also include some of the tender parts of the stems by peeling them and chopping them into small pieces.

2. Cook the Bacon:

• Cook the bacon until crispy, either in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, drain on paper towels and chop into small pieces.

3. Combine Salad Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, chopped bacon, red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds (or nuts), and cheddar cheese (if using). Toss gently to mix.

4. Make the Dressing:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

5. Dress the Salad:

• Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

6. Chill:

• For best flavor, cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

7. Serve:

• Give the salad a quick toss before serving. Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish at your next gathering!

Broccoli Salad Recipe

Tips for Success

• Customize Ingredients: Feel free to customize this salad by adding other ingredients like diced apples for sweetness or chickpeas for added protein.
• Make Ahead: This salad can be made a day in advance; just keep it covered in the refrigerator.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe

This Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe is a refreshing and healthy side dish, perfect for potlucks or quick meals. Start by chopping 4 cups of fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets. In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli with 1/2 cup of diced red onion, 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, and 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds for added crunch.

For the dressing, whisk together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss to coat everything evenly. For extra flavor, you can add crumbled bacon or shredded cheddar cheese.

Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This broccoli salad is crunchy, sweet, and tangy, offering a delicious combination of flavors that’s sure to be a hit!

This Easy Broccoli Salad is a quick, healthy dish perfect for any occasion. Combine 4 cups of chopped broccoli, 1/2 cup of diced red onion, 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, and 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds in a bowl.Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe

Conclusion

This broccoli salad is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and texture. The combination of crunchy vegetables, savory bacon, and creamy dressing makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love! Enjoy this delightful dish at your next meal or gathering!