Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Salad

Ingredients

  • 5-6 cups broccoli florets¹)

    1 lb, this was about 2 1/2 heads of broccoli for me (450g

  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese)

    thicker, not finely shredded (115g

  • ⅔ cup dried cranberries)

    (85g

  • 1/2 cup crumbled bacon²)

    (60g

  • 1/2 cup salted sunflower seeds)

    (60g

  • ⅓ cup red onion)

    diced into small pieces (50g

  • 3/4 cup mayo)

    I use olive oil mayo (175g

  • 1/4 cup sour cream³)

    (70g

  • 1 1/2 Tablespoon white wine vinegar⁴
  • 3 Tablespoons sugar)

    (40g

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

  1. 1

    Combine broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, bacon, sunflower seeds, and onion in a large bowl.

  2. 2

    In a separate, small bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-combined.

  3. 3

    Pour dressing over broccoli combination and toss or stir well.

  4. 4

    Broccoli salad may be served immediately, but for best flavor refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Make sure to toss broccoli salad thoroughly again before serving.Keep refrigerated if not consuming right away.

Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Salad

Similar Recipes

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Craving a vibrant, crowd-pleasing side dish that's as easy to make as it is delicious? This classic Broccoli Salad delivers a perfect harmony of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory flavors, making it an instant favorite for any gathering.

The genius of this Broccoli Salad lies in its expertly balanced combination of textures and tastes. Crisp broccoli florets are enveloped in a rich, tangy dressing, while chewy cranberries, salty bacon, crunchy sunflower seeds, and sharp cheddar cheese create a symphony of deliciousness in every bite. It’s a side dish that truly has it all.

You can expect a delightful interplay of textures and a vibrant flavor profile. The fresh, crisp bite of the broccoli is beautifully complemented by the creamy, slightly sweet dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, and a touch of sugar. The sharp cheddar adds a savory depth, while dried cranberries bring a pleasant chew and a hint of tartness. Each spoonful offers the satisfying crunch of sunflower seeds and the smoky, salty notes of bacon, all tied together by the subtle bite of red onion.

This versatile salad is incredibly accommodating to different tastes. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon or swap it for toasted pecans for added crunch and richness. Not a fan of cranberries? Raisins or chopped dried apricots can offer a similar sweetness. You can easily experiment with different cheeses like Colby Jack or a mild provolone, or even add a pinch of chili flakes to the dressing for a subtle kick.

Serve this hearty Broccoli Salad chilled alongside grilled chicken, barbecued ribs, or as a welcome addition to any potluck or picnic spread. Its vibrant colors and satisfying textures make it a standout dish that’s sure to impress.

Frequently Asked Questions