Broccoli Salad Recipe

Broccoli Salad Recipe

Get ready for a taste sensation that will rock your world. Today, we’re making a flavor-packed broccoli salad recipe that combines some unexpected ingredients: cheese, dried cranberries, sweet onion, sunflower seeds, crispy bacon, all tossed together in a tangy white wine vinegar dressing. Trust me, this salad will have you coming back for seconds!

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS.  PLEASE SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE POLICY FOR DETAILS.  AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES.

What is in Broccoli Salad

Let’s start with the star of the show: broccoli. This nutrient-rich vegetable is not only super healthy but also adds a delightful crunch to this salad. Plus, its vibrant green color makes it a feast for the eyes!

broccoli, bacon, cheese, onion, dried cranberries, dressing

We’ve got cheese, and who doesn’t love cheese? Its creamy goodness pairs perfectly with the sweet and tart dried cranberries. But wait, there’s more! We’re also adding sunflower seeds for a nutty and satisfying crunch that takes this salad to the next level. And some savory onion for added flavor.

broccoli salad ingredients bacon, onion, cheddar cheese,cranberries, sunflower seeds, broccoli

What’s a salad without a little indulgence? crispy bacon. Yes, you heard that right! The smoky, savory flavor of bacon adds a mouthwatering dimension to this already exciting salad. It’s like a party in your mouth, and the bacon is the life of the party! Cooking your bacon in the oven on these baking racks is so easy and takes the splatter out of cooking bacon on the stove. And the grease drips into the pan!

broccoli salad in white serving bowl

To tie everything together, we have a tangy white wine vinegar dressing. This zesty dressing adds a refreshing and bright note that cuts through the richness of the cheese and bacon, balancing the flavors and creating a blend that will make your taste buds sing.

Broccoli salad with cheese, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, sweet onion, bacon, and white wine vinegar dressing is a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss. It’s a delicious combination of textures and flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a refreshing colorful salad give this one a try. It’s a surefire way to impress your friends and family at your next gathering or simply enjoy a tasty and satisfying meal. Get ready to experience the ultimate flavor explosion!

Ingredients: Broccoli Salad Recipe

fresh broccoli

sweet onion

bacon

shredded cheddar cheese

sunflower seeds

dried cranberries

sugar

white wine vinegar

mayonnaise

salt & pepper

How to Prepare

Making this broccoli salad is a breeze. Start by blanching the broccoli until it’s crisp-tender, then shock it in cold water to retain its vibrant color. You don’t have to blanch it, but it brings out a bright green color in the broccoli. Crumble the crispy bacon and toss it in with the cheese, dried cranberries, onion and sunflower seeds. Drizzle the white wine vinegar dressing over the top and give it all a good toss. That’s it! Your flavor-packed salad is ready to be devoured.

Try these other summer salad recipes:

Macaroni Salad

Potato Salad

Creamy Cream Slaw

Pepper Slaw

Apparel for the foodies & grillers

Whisking you a happy day
broccoli salad in white bowl

Broccoli Salad Recipe

Nettie
This refreshing healthy summer salad is so easy to mix up. A flavor-packed broccoli salad recipe with cheese, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, onion, bacon, tossed in a tangy white wine vinegar dressing.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 10 servings
Calories 332 kcal

Ingredients
  

salad

  • 10 cups fresh broccoli cut into bite size florets and blanched. You do not have to blanch the broccoli. Blanching brings out the bright green color. see notes on how to blanch.
  • 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
  • 1/2 cup onion use a sweet onion or a red onion chopped
  • 1/4 cup salted sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese or lowfat mozzarella shredded cheese

dressing

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl whisk together the dressing ingredients and set aside. In a large bowl toss together the broccoli florets, chopped onion, shredded cheddar, sunflower seeds, cooked crumbled bacon and dried cranberries. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately or refrigerate until serving. This salad will keep in the fridge for 3-5 days. So it is a great make ahead salad!

Notes

Blanching Broccoli:
Prepare the broccoli: Start by washing the broccoli heads thoroughly under cold running water. Remove any leaves and trim off the tough ends of the stalks. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
Boil water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Make sure the pot is large enough to accommodate the broccoli without overcrowding.
Prepare an ice bath: While the water is coming to a boil, prepare a large bowl or basin filled with ice water. This will be used to cool down the blanched broccoli quickly and stop the cooking process.
Blanch the broccoli: Once the water is boiling, carefully add the broccoli florets to the pot. Let them cook for 1-2 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the florets and your desired level of tenderness. Be careful not to overcook the broccoli, as it should still be crisp.
Drain and cool: Using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove the blanched broccoli from the boiling water and immediately transfer it to the ice bath. Allow the broccoli to sit in the ice water for a few minutes to cool down and halt the cooking process.
Drain again: Once the broccoli has cooled, drain it thoroughly using a colander or by gently patting it dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Make sure to remove any excess moisture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 332kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 7gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 468mgPotassium: 365mgFiber: 3gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 646IUVitamin C: 82mgCalcium: 91mgIron: 1mg
Keyword broccoli, broccoli salad, cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, healthy summer salad, picnic salad, salad for a crowd, summer salad, white wine vinegar
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating