Go Back
Healthy broccoli salad with fresh ingredients and dressing

Broccoli Salad

This crisp and creamy Broccoli Salad features a delightful mix of crunchy broccoli, salty bacon, sweet dried fruit, and a creamy dressing, making it perfect for picnics and potlucks.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients
  • 4-6 slices Bacon Cooked until crisp, then chopped or crumbled.
  • 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese Grated or cut into small cubes.
  • 1/2 cup Sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts Use as per preference.
  • 1/2 cup Dried cranberries or raisins Sweet element in the salad.
  • 1 small Red onion Trimmed and thinly sliced.
  • 1 head Fresh broccoli Cut into small, bite-sized florets.
Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Sugar
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by cutting the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets.
  2. Trim and thinly slice the small red onion.
  3. Cook the bacon until crisp, then chop or crumble it.
  4. Grate the sharp cheddar cheese or cut it into small cubes.
  5. Measure out the sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts and dried cranberries or raisins.
Making the Dressing
  1. In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste until smooth.
Combining Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, onion, cheese, bacon, seeds, and cranberries.
  2. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
  3. Chill the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to help the flavors blend.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or vinegar if needed.

Notes

For best results, chill the salad well and add bacon last to maintain its crispiness. You can substitute yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter dressing. This salad is versatile; feel free to add apples, grapes, or different nuts.