Why You Should Make This Easy Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad is a classic dish that is both delicious and incredibly easy to make. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures—crunchy, creamy, savory, and slightly sweet—all in one bowl! Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish for a family dinner, a healthy lunch option, or a crowd-pleasing recipe for a potluck or barbecue, this broccoli salad is a fantastic choice.
One of the best things about this salad is how nutrient-packed it is. Broccoli is a powerhouse vegetable loaded with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making this dish not only tasty but also beneficial for your health. The addition of crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and crunchy sunflower seeds adds a satisfying richness, while dried cranberries provide a touch of natural sweetness that balances out the flavors perfectly.
Another reason to love this recipe is its quick and easy preparation. With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a simple homemade dressing, you can whip up this dish in minutes. Plus, it tastes even better after chilling in the fridge, making it a great make-ahead option for busy days.
Whether you’re serving it as a side for grilled meats, bringing it to a summer picnic, or simply enjoying it on its own, this Easy Broccoli Salad is sure to become a favorite. It’s a refreshing, wholesome, and delicious dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds! 🥦✨
Ingredients:
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
• ½ cup red onion (finely chopped)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup cooked bacon (crumbled)
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds (or chopped almonds)
• ½ cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
For the Dressing:
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey (or sugar)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and chop the broccoli into small florets. Finely chop the red onion and crumble the cooked bacon.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries.
4. Toss with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss everything together until well coated.
5. Chill & Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
6. Enjoy! Serve cold as a refreshing side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or family dinners.
Tips & Variations:
• Swap bacon for turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian version.
• Use slivered almonds or pecans instead of sunflower seeds for extra crunch.
• Add chopped apples or grapes for a sweet twist.
This Easy Broccoli Salad is crunchy, creamy, sweet, and savory all in one bite! 🥦✨