Description

This Best Broccoli Salad is a delightful, crunchy, and flavorful dish featuring fresh broccoli florets tossed with a creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Enhanced with shredded cheddar cheese, red onions, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon bits, this salad offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors. Ideal as a side dish for gatherings or a refreshing snack, it can be served immediately or chilled for enhanced flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
1 ½ tablespoons honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Salad

6-7 cups broccoli florets (about 3 heads)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
⅓ cup chopped red onions
½ cup dried cranberries
¼ cup sunflower seeds
½ cup bacon bits

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Instructions

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey until smooth and well combined. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onions, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon bits. Stir gently to distribute all ingredients evenly.
Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the combined salad ingredients. Toss the salad carefully to ensure that every bite is coated with the creamy dressing. The salad is ready to serve immediately, but for the best flavor, cover and chill it in the refrigerator for about one hour before serving.

Notes

You can substitute apple cider vinegar with fresh lemon juice for a slightly different tang.
For a vegetarian version, omit bacon bits or replace them with crispy tofu or smoked tempeh.
To enhance crunchiness, toast the sunflower seeds lightly before adding.
This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but is best eaten fresh.
If you prefer a sweeter salad, increase the honey to 2 tablespoons.