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Bowl of creamy broccoli salad with bacon and sunflower seeds

Name: Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe with Crunchy Twist

Summary: A quick, fresh, and creamy broccoli salad packed with crunchy sunflower seeds, crispy bacon, and sweet cranberries — perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or easy lunches.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • 6 cups fresh broccoli florets chopped
  • ½ small red onion thinly sliced
  • 6 slices cooked bacon crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ⅓ cup sunflower seeds
  • ⅓ cup dried cranberries or raisins
  • 1 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for lighter
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 –2 tablespoons sugar or honey to taste
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Equipment:
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Instructions:
  2. Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli. Cut into bite-size florets.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar or honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. In a large bowl, combine broccoli, red onion, bacon, cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, and cranberries.
  5. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until evenly coated.
  6. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors develop.
  7. Just before serving, give the salad a quick toss, and sprinkle on more seeds or bacon if desired.

Notes

Notes:
For vegetarian: skip bacon or substitute with crispy chickpeas
For vegan: use vegan mayo and dairy-free cheese
For keto: omit cranberries and use sugar-free sweetener
Keeps up to 3 days in the refrigerator
Do not freeze