Broccoli Salad Recipe

I’m all about blending textures and flavors in this broccoli salad. Fresh broccoli and red onions mix with the crunch of sunflower seeds and crispy bacon, while dried cranberries and raisins add a surprising burst of sweetness. The tangy dressing makes everything pop, and every bite leaves me feeling truly nourished.

I love how this Broccoli Salad really brings together a burst of flavors and nutritional benefits in each bite. I think using 6 cups of chopped fresh broccoli florets is great because they are full of vitamins and fiber that are good for you.

Adding a small red onion minced just right gives a mild tanginess, while 6 slices of cooked bacon crumbled up add a savory note. I also like the mix of sweetness and tartness from the 1/2 cup each of raisins and dried cranberries, and the crunch from 1/2 cup sunflower seeds is awesome.

The dressing made with 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup white sugar ties everything together nicely. I usually season with salt and pepper to taste.

My version of this salad is both a healthy choice and a treat perfect for a family potluck or an Easter spread so everyone can enjoy a twist on the classic crunch.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love how crunchy the fresh broccoli is when it’s mixed with that tangy, sweet dressing.
2. I appreciate the mix of flavors, like the salty bacon and the sweet dried fruit, which really makes each bite fun.
3. I enjoy the texture contrast from the combination of crunchy seeds and tender veggies.
4. I like that it’s a quick, easy, and colorful dish that always reminds me of home.

So here’s my take on the recipe description for Broccoli Salad Sugar Spun Run:

This broccoli salad is seriously a game changer. I start with fresh, chopped broccoli and mix it with a bit of red onion and crumbled bacon. Then I add raisins, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds for that extra punch in texture and flavor. The dressing is pretty simple, just mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a bit of sugar all mixed up until it tastes just right, with a little salt and pepper to finish it off. I toss everything together and let it chill for at least an hour so that all the flavors can come together. It might sound simple but the mix of crunchy veggies, sweet fruit, and tangy dressing makes it really addictive for me. Enjoyin this salad always makes my meal feel a little more special.

Ingredients

• Broccoli: Crunchy and packed with fiber and vitamins, it adds nutrients and a healthy crunch.
• Red Onion: Adds a sharp bite, low in calories and really full of flavor.
• Bacon: Tasty, smoky strips that give protein though its a bit high in fat.
• Raisins & Cranberries: Bring natural sweetness, carbohydrates and antioxidants that boost energy levels.
• Sunflower Seeds: Provide healthy fats, protein and crunch while adding a nutty taste.
• Mayonnaise & Sugar: This creamy dressing mix adds richness and balanced sweet flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Offers a tangy zing and helps boost digestion naturally.
• Overall: The salad balances crunch, sweetness and tanginess making every bite exciting.

Ingredient Quantities

• 6 cups chopped fresh broccoli florets
• 1 small red onion, finely diced
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make this

1. Start by chopping the broccoli into small florets and finely dice the red onion then place them in a large bowl with the crumbled bacon.

2. Next, toss in the raisins, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds into the bowl.

3. In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and white sugar together until the sugar is well dissolved.

4. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste then stir it well.

5. Pour the dressing over your broccoli mix and toss it gently to make sure everything is evenly coated.

6. Make sure you mix it real well so the flavors blend, then cover the bowl.

7. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour so the flavors can meld together.

8. Before serving, give the salad another quick toss and check for seasoning adjustments if needed, then enjoy your Broccoli Salad!

Equipment Needed

1. Chopping board
2. Chef’s knife
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Small bowl
5. Whisk
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Serving spoon
8. Bowl cover or cling wrap
9. Refrigerator

FAQ

• Q: How long do I need to prep and cook this broccoli salad?
  A: It takes about 15-20 minutes to chop and mix all the ingredients plus a few extra minutes to cook the bacon if you havent prepped it beforehand.
• Q: Can I make the salad ahead of time?
  A: Yeah, you can make it a few hours before serving but stir it up again before eating cause the flavors might settle.
• Q: What can I use instead of bacon for a healthier option?
  A: You can try turkey bacon or even skip the bacon altogether for a vegetarian version.
• Q: Is it ok to swap the raisins and cranberries with other dried fruits?
  A: Sure, you can use dried cherries or apricots if youd like a different tang or sweetness in your salad.
• Q: Can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?
  A: Yes, if you dont like it too sweet, you can reduce the sugar, or add a little more apple cider vinegar to balance it out.

Broccoli Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of bacon, you can try turkey bacon or even a plant-based bacon if you’re looking for a lighter twist
• If you dont have raisins, chopped dried apricots work pretty well and add a nice chewy texture
• Dried cranberries can be swapped with dried cherries if you want a tangier flavor
• You can replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a creamier yet healthier option
• If sunflower seeds are hard to find, pumpkin seeds are a great substitute and add a cool crunch

Pro Tips

1. If you wanna level up the flavor, try toasting the sunflower seeds in a dry pan for a few minutes until they turn just a little crispy. It really brings out their nutty taste and adds a nice crunch that makes each bite more interesting.

2. Let the salad sit in the fridge a bit longer than the minimum hour if you have time. That extra chill time really helps the flavors blend together better, so the dressing soaks into the broccoli and other bits more evenly.

3. When mixing your dressing, don’t be afraid to play with the seasoning a bit. Taste as you go and add a little more salt or pepper if needed because sometimes the right balance there can really make or break the overall flavor of the salad.