The Best Broccoli Salad Recipe
A crisp and flavorful broccoli salad packed with a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and savory bacon bits. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a refreshing side dish any time of the year.
- Author: Maya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Salad Ingredients
- 8 cups broccoli florets (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ⅓ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ½ cup bacon bits
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the dressing: Whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl until smooth and well combined. Set the dressing aside to let the flavors meld.
- Mix the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, diced red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon bits. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed for a balanced salad.
- Toss the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all the ingredients with the tangy dressing.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to develop and for the salad to chill properly. Serve cold for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- For a healthier twist, use a low-fat or Greek yogurt mayonnaise alternative.
- Can substitute dried cranberries with raisins or chopped dried cherries.
- Use freshly cooked bacon instead of bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Can be made a day ahead and refrigerated; stir before serving.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese or chopped nuts for additional texture and flavor variations.
Keywords: broccoli salad, no cook salad, side dish, healthy salad, picnic recipe, cranberry broccoli salad, bacon salad