Description

A vibrant and crunchy Broccoli Cranberry Salad featuring fresh broccoli florets, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a creamy tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey. This easy-to-make salad can be customized with sharp cheddar cheese and crispy bacon to add extra flavor and texture. Perfect as a refreshing side dish for gatherings or a healthy snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup sunflower seeds (or slivered almonds)
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
1/4 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)

Dressing Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey (or sugar)
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy, forming a tangy and slightly sweet dressing.
Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets, dried cranberries, finely diced red onion, sunflower seeds or almonds, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese if using. Add the crumbled cooked bacon for extra flavor and texture, if desired.
Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until the broccoli and all the other ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
Chill and Serve: For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish.

Notes

Optional ingredients like cheddar cheese and bacon can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
Sunflower seeds can be replaced with slivered almonds or other nuts for variation.
This salad tastes best after chilling but can be served immediately if needed.
Adjust the sweetness by using sugar instead of honey or increasing honey for a sweeter dressing.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for freshness.