Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

A fresh, crunchy side salad made with broccoli florets, precooked bacon, red onion, cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds or almonds, dried cranberries, and a lightly sweet, creamy mayo-based dressing. Quick to prepare and perfect for various occasions like potlucks, barbecues, and holidays.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup precooked bacon, crumbled
  • ½ cup red onion, finely diced
  • ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds
  • ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Chop broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces.
  2. If preferred, blanch broccoli in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunge into ice water and drain.
  3. If frozen broccoli is used, thaw completely and drain excess water.
  4. Finely dice the red onion.
  5. Shred the cheddar cheese.
  6. Cook bacon until crispy and crumble or crumble already precooked bacon.
  7. Combine broccoli, crumbled bacon, diced onion, shredded cheddar, sunflower seeds (or chopped almonds), and dried cranberries in a large bowl and toss to mix.
  8. Whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey (or sugar), salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
  9. Pour dressing over the broccoli mixture gradually, tossing until evenly coated.
  10. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to chill and allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Always use fresh broccoli to keep the salad crunchy and flavorful., Chill the salad before serving to blend flavors and improve texture., Adjust the sweetness by varying honey or sugar amounts to taste., Cook bacon crispy for best texture and flavor., Add dressing gradually to avoid weighing down the salad., Don’t skip chilling to allow flavors to meld., Balance mix-ins to maintain texture contrast., Serve with a garnish of extra bacon and cheese for presentation., Pairs well with grilled chicken or fish, and crusty bread for a simple meal., Substitute mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing., For a vegan version, use plant-based mayo and omit bacon., Swap sunflower seeds for pumpkin seeds for nut-free option., Add fresh lemon juice for a bright tangy twist., Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days., Avoid freezing to maintain texture., Prep ingredients separately and toss before serving to keep broccoli crisp.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes (if cooking bacon or blanching broccoli)
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup per serving
  • Calories: Approximately 200-250 calories per serving (estimate)
  • Fat: Approximately 18 grams per serving
  • Carbohydrates: Approximately 12 grams per serving
  • Protein: Approximately 6 grams per serving