Get ready to transform your ordinary salad routine into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This Cranberry Bacon Broccoli Salad is not just another side dish – it's a symphony of flavors that combines crisp broccoli, sweet cranberries, smoky bacon, and crunchy sunflower seeds in a creamy, tangy dressing that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a quick and impressive weeknight meal, this recipe proves that healthy eating can be absolutely delicious and exciting!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash broccoli florets thoroughly under cold running water and pat dry with clean kitchen towel.
- Cut broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform size for even texture and cooking.
- Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown, approximately 6-8 minutes. Transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Once bacon has cooled, crumble into small, irregular pieces using your hands or a knife.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well-blended.
- Add prepared broccoli florets, dried cranberries, diced red onion, and crumbled bacon to the dressing.
- Gently fold all ingredients together, ensuring even coating with the dressing.
- Sprinkle sunflower seeds over the salad and mix lightly to distribute.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and adjust seasoning if needed.
Tips
- Broccoli Prep: For the best texture, use fresh broccoli and cut florets into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even coating and consistent bite.
- Bacon Brilliance: Cook bacon until it's perfectly crisp but not burnt. Let it cool completely before crumbling to maintain that satisfying crunch.
- Dressing Technique: Whisk the mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated dressing that coats every ingredient.
- Chill Factor: Refrigerating the salad for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and intensify, making each bite more delicious.
- Serving Tip: For maximum freshness, add sunflower seeds just before serving to maintain their crispness and prevent sogginess.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Customization: Feel free to swap sunflower seeds with toasted almonds or add a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese for extra flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 260kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
