Best Broccoli Salad

Imagine a crisp, refreshing bowl of broccoli salad that combines the crunch of fresh veggies with the savory goodness of bacon and a creamy dressing. This Best Broccoli Salad is the perfect dish for summer barbecues, potlucks, or family gatherings, effortlessly bringing together vibrant flavors and textures. I’ve made this salad countless times, and each time it disappears faster than I can say “seconds, please!” What makes it truly special is the delightful mix of ingredients that work harmoniously, making every forkful a taste sensation.

Reasons You’ll Love Making It

What makes this recipe stand out is its perfect balance of flavors and textures—think crunchy broccoli, crispy bacon, creamy dressing, and a touch of sweetness from the raisins. It’s a hit at any get-together and is incredibly versatile. Need a side dish for a backyard barbecue? Check. Looking for a light lunch option? You got it! This salad is not only quick to whip up, but it’s also a budget-friendly delight that the whole family will devour.

“I made this salad for our family reunion, and it was the star of the picnic! Everyone asked for the recipe!” — Jane D.

Preparing Best Broccoli Salad

This salad is a straightforward dish that requires minimal prep time. The entire process can be broken down into three main steps: mixing the ingredients, preparing the dressing, and chilling it for optimum flavor. Trust me, it’s that simple! With just a few minutes of assembly, you’ll have a large bowl of deliciousness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather what you need to create this fantastic broccoli salad. Here’s your essential checklist:

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt if you prefer a lighter dressing, or switch up the raisins for dried cranberries for a little twist!

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, chopped bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, raisins, and sunflower seeds.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss to coat everything evenly.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Perfect Pairings for Best Broccoli Salad

This delicious broccoli salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, burgers, or even as a side to a hearty soup. It shines brightly next to your summer barbecue favorites and adds a pop of color and nutrition to any meal. Consider serving it with cornbread for a delightful Southern touch or a refreshing fruit salad for a complete summer spread.

Best Way to Store Best Broccoli Salad

If you have leftovers (though I doubt it!), store your broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. However, the walnuts or sunflower seeds may lose their crunch over time, so you might want to add those right before serving. For maximum freshness, it’s also a great make-ahead dish—just prepare it a day in advance for busy days, but wait until serving to toss it with the dressing.

Pro Chef Tips

Here are a few tips to elevate your broccoli salad game:

• For extra flavor, consider roasting your broccoli slightly before adding it to the mix.
• Make sure to chop everything into bite-sized pieces—this helps with even distribution of flavors.
• If you’re worried about the salad becoming soggy, try using a crispier bacon for texture or add the sunflower seeds just before serving for an extra crunch.

Creative Twists

Want to change things up a bit? Here are a few variations you can try:

• Add diced apples or pears for a sweet, fruity twist.
• Incorporate crumbled feta cheese for a tangy kick.
• Swap the bacon for crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly option.

Helpful FAQs

What’s the prep time for this broccoli salad?

You can whip up this delicious salad in about 15 minutes, plus an additional 30 minutes for chilling.

How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I use different nuts or seeds?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute sunflower seeds with chopped pecans or walnuts for a different flavor. Experiment with your favorite crunch!

This Best Broccoli Salad is not just a side dish—it’s a delightful experience that combines freshness and flavor in a way that leaves everyone asking for more. Enjoy making and sharing this fantastic salad!

Best Broccoli Salad

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing broccoli salad with crunchy vegetables, savory bacon, and a creamy dressing perfect for summer gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, chopped bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced red onion, raisins, and sunflower seeds.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss to coat everything evenly.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Consider roasting your broccoli for extra flavor. For a lighter dressing, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Salad
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: broccoli salad, summer salad, side dish, easy recipe, potluck salad