Description
A vibrant and crunchy broccoli salad combining fresh broccoli florets, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and savory bacon bits, all tossed in a tangy mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side dish for gatherings or everyday meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 cups broccoli florets (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ⅓ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ½ cup bacon bits
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the bite-sized broccoli florets, diced red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon bits. Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and the broccoli to slightly soften for a perfect texture.
Notes
- For a healthier option, substitute regular mayonnaise with light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
- To keep the salad gluten-free, ensure bacon bits are gluten-free or use cooked chopped bacon.
- You can add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
- The salad is best served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Adjust sweetness or acidity of the dressing by modifying sugar or apple cider vinegar amounts to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: broccoli salad, healthy salad, no-cook salad, cranberry salad, bacon salad, summer side dish
