Broccoli Salad Recipe
Try this easy broccoli salad recipe with bacon, cheddar, cranberries, and a creamy tangy dressing. A perfect make-ahead side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
- For the Salad Base
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets chopped small
- Smaller pieces absorb the dressing better.
- ½ cup red onion finely diced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cut into small cubes
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- 6 slices real bacon cooked and crumbled
- Use oven-baked bacon for crisp even pieces.
- For the Creamy Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- For Garnish Optional
- Extra sunflower seeds
- Extra bacon
- Extra cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli (5 minutes)
- Rinse the fresh broccoli thoroughly under cold water.
- Pat dry completely — moisture waters down the dressing.
- Chop into small, bite-sized florets.
- Tip: Don’t toss the stems! Peel and dice them for extra crunch.
- Cook the Bacon (10 minutes)
- Place bacon on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Drain on paper towels and crumble.
- Make the Dressing (2 minutes)
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or tang.
- Combine Everything (3 minutes)
- Add broccoli, cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, red onion, and bacon to a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the top.
- Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill Before Serving (Optional, 1 hour)
- Letting the salad rest allows the flavors to develop beautifully.
- But don’t stress — it tastes great immediately too.
Notes
- Chop the broccoli small so it absorbs the dressing better.
- Let the salad rest 20–60 minutes for the best flavor.
- Use crisp bacon only — soft bacon gets soggy fast.
- If making ahead, add sunflower seeds right before serving to keep them crunchy.
- For extra creaminess, add 1–2 more tablespoons of mayo after chilling.
- Add more apple cider vinegar for a tangier dressing or more sugar for a sweeter version.