If you’re craving a fresh, flavorful salad that bursts with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy, you’ve found your new favorite. The Broccoli Salad with Cranberries, Sunflower Seeds, and Bacon Recipe is a vibrant medley that combines crisp broccoli florets with the tartness of cranberries, the nutty crunch of sunflower seeds, and the irresistible smoky bite of bacon. This salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s a celebration of textures and tastes that will make any meal memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step to crafting a salad that’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at. Each component adds a unique note, from the fresh crunch of broccoli to the zesty kick of apple cider vinegar in the dressing.
- 8 cups raw broccoli florets: Choose small, even pieces for a perfect bite size and maximum crunch.
- ½ cup diced red onions: Adds a subtle sharpness and vivid color contrast.
- ½ cup dried cranberries: These bring a tart-sweet pop that livens up every forkful.
- ½ cup sunflower seeds: A nutty crunch that perfectly complements the tender broccoli.
- ½ cup bacon bits: Smoky, salty, and crispy pieces that bring warmth to the salad’s flavor profile.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base that ties all the flavors together smoothly.
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Adds brightness and a slight tang to balance the richness.
- 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar: Sweetness that mellows the vinegar and enhances the cranberries.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of all ingredients.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: A light hint of spice to round out the dressing.
How to Make Broccoli Salad with Cranberries, Sunflower Seeds, and Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Start by placing the broccoli florets, diced red onions, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon bits into a large mixing bowl. Toss them gently but thoroughly so each ingredient is evenly distributed. This step ensures every bite has that delightful burst of contrasting textures and flavors that make this salad special.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. The dressing brings the salad together with a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes that enhance each component.
Step 3: Toss Salad with Dressing
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Using a spatula or salad tongs, toss lightly and evenly coat every piece of broccoli and mix-ins with the creamy dressing. The key here is a gentle toss to avoid bruising the tender broccoli but ensuring everything is well-coated.
Step 4: Serve Immediately or Chill
You can serve your salad right away for the freshest crunch or refrigerate it for an hour or two to meld the flavors even more. For an extra touch, garnish it with additional cranberries, sunflower seeds, diced onions, and bacon bits just before serving.
How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Cranberries, Sunflower Seeds, and Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of extra bacon bits, sunflower seeds, or fresh parsley transforms this salad from simple to spectacular. These garnishes add extra visual appeal and an additional layer of texture that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
This broccoli salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, or even a light summer fish dish. Its fresh, crunchy profile cuts through heavier mains, making your meal balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or avocado halves. You can also create individual salad cups using lettuce leaves, making it perfect for gatherings where finger foods shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover broccoli salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, store the salad before adding any fresh garnishes or sunflower seeds.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well. The mayonnaise dressing and broccoli texture change significantly after freezing and thawing, so it’s not recommended to freeze this original combination.
Reheating
Since this salad is intended to be served cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, allow it to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I substitute mayonnaise with a healthier option?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt or a blend of Greek yogurt and light mayonnaise works well to keep the creaminess while reducing calories and adding protein.
Is it okay to use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?
Fresh cranberries are quite tart and firm, so they might not provide the same sweet bite. If using fresh, consider adding some sugar or honey to balance the tartness.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, use vegan mayonnaise and omit the bacon or replace it with smoky tempeh bacon for that savory crunch, and you’ll have a delicious vegan-friendly version.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
It’s best made the day of serving to preserve the broccoli’s crispness, but you can prep the dressing and chop ingredients a day ahead, then toss everything together shortly before serving.
What if I don’t have sunflower seeds? Are there any good alternatives?
Definitely! Toasted pumpkin seeds, chopped walnuts, or slivered almonds make excellent nutty substitutes that will maintain the salad’s delightful crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Salad with Cranberries, Sunflower Seeds, and Bacon Recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen because it’s effortless, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes your go-to dish to impress friends and family with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Print
Broccoli Salad with Cranberries, Sunflower Seeds, and Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This refreshing Broccoli Salad recipe combines crisp raw broccoli florets with sweet dried cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and savory bacon bits, all tossed in a tangy and creamy apple cider vinaigrette. Perfect as a side dish for gatherings or a light lunch, it requires no cooking and comes together quickly in under 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 8 cups raw broccoli florets, cut into small and even pieces
- ½ cup diced red onions
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- ½ cup bacon bits
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, diced red onions, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon bits. Toss gently until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, granulated white sugar, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Toss lightly but thoroughly to ensure each piece of broccoli is coated evenly with the dressing.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately or garnish with additional red onions, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, and bacon bits if desired for extra texture and flavor.
Notes
- This salad is best served fresh but can be chilled in the refrigerator for up to 2 days if prepared in advance.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon bits or substitute with smoked tempeh or crispy chickpeas.
- If you prefer a sweeter dressing, increase the sugar slightly or add a touch of honey.
- Make sure to cut broccoli into small, even pieces to ensure uniform coating with the dressing.
- Sunflower seeds add a nice crunch, but you can substitute with chopped walnuts or pecans if preferred.
