Description
Creamy broccoli salad brings summer picnic vibes to your table with crisp vegetables and tangy dressing. Crunchy bacon bits and sweet raisins create a delightful harmony you’ll crave at every gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Dairy:
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Fruits:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Nuts and Seeds:
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or chopped nuts
Instructions
- Chop broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces and finely dice red onion for optimal texture and even distribution.
- Crumble crispy bacon and shred cheddar cheese to enhance the salad’s flavor profile and visual appeal.
- Create a creamy dressing by vigorously whisking mayonnaise with tangy vinegar, sweet honey, and seasoning until smooth and well-integrated.
- Combine all dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring even mixing of broccoli, onion, cranberries, sunflower seeds, bacon, and cheese.
- Drizzle prepared dressing over the ingredients, gently folding to coat every component thoroughly without crushing delicate elements.
- Seal the salad in an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 60 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients, ensuring maximum flavor in each bite.
Notes
- Chill the salad to allow flavors to meld and develop a more robust taste profile.
- Swap bacon for crispy tempeh or coconut bacon to make the dish vegetarian-friendly.
- Toast sunflower seeds briefly to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch.
- Opt for Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to reduce calories and increase protein content.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 277 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 275 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg