Description
Elevate your mealtime with this vibrant Broccoli Salad Recipe, a perfect blend of crunchy textures and refreshing flavors. This salad features fresh broccoli florets, crispy bacon, tangy cranberries, and creamy citrus dressing, making it an ideal companion for family gatherings, picnics, or summer barbecues. Not only does it offer a delightful contrast of flavors, but it also packs essential nutrients that contribute to a healthy diet. Prep time is just 15 minutes, making this dish as easy to prepare as it is delicious. Whether served as a side or enjoyed as a light lunch, this Broccoli Salad will be a crowd-pleaser at any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 1/2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 5 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/3 cup roasted sunflower seeds
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese cubes
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 small lemon
- Zest of 1/2 orange
- 1–2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 Tbsp poppy seeds
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Blanch the broccoli in boiling salted water for 20 seconds; transfer to ice water to cool.
- Soak the chopped red onion in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow its flavor.
- Whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli, bacon, drained onion, cranberries, almonds, sunflower seeds, and cheddar cheese.
- Toss with dressing to coat; chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg