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The Best Classic Creamy Broccoli Bacon Salad with Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds

Close-up of creamy broccoli salad topped with dried cranberries and toasted pecans.
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This recipe delivers the ultimate crunchy, creamy, and savory broccoli salad, perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or as a family favorite side dish. It combines fresh texture with a tangy dressing that everyone enjoys.

Ingredients

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  • 6 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut small
  • 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, toasted
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the broccoli: Cut the broccoli into small, uniform florets. If you want maximum crunch, you can blanch the florets in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately plunge them into ice water. Drain them very well and pat them completely dry.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the dried broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, dried cranberries, toasted sunflower seeds, finely chopped red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
  3. Prepare the dressing: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is dissolved.
  4. Combine: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld. For the best texture, do not let it sit for more than 8 hours, as the broccoli will soften slightly.
  6. Serve cold as a crowd-pleaser side dish for your next gathering.

Notes

  • To keep your broccoli salad crunchy, make sure the broccoli is completely dry before adding the dressing. Excess water dilutes the dressing and softens the vegetables.
  • Toast the sunflower seeds lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant to deepen their flavor.
  • For an easy make-ahead salad, prepare the dressing and chop all the vegetables (except the onion) the day before. Store them separately. Combine everything no more than 4 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/best-creamy-broccoli-salad-recipe/