Description
A fresh and vibrant side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This Best Broccoli Salad features crisp broccoli, bacon, sunflower seeds, and red onion, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s the ideal combination of crunch, flavor, and texture.
Ingredients
For the Best Broccoli Salad:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads)
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6–8 slices)
- 1/2 cup raisins (or dried cranberries for a twist)
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds (or chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for variation)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Start by preparing your fresh broccoli. Trim the ends off the broccoli stalks and cut the florets into bite-sized pieces. Make sure the florets are washed thoroughly and dried with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. If you prefer, you can also blanch the broccoli by briefly boiling it for 1-2 minutes and then placing it in ice water to stop the cooking process. This keeps the broccoli bright green and slightly tender while maintaining its crunch.
To add a savory and crispy element to the salad, cook your bacon. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and cook the bacon until it is crispy, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel to drain the excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. If you prefer, you can also bake the bacon in the oven by placing it on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey until smooth and well-combined. Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference. The dressing should have a perfect balance of sweetness from the honey and tang from the vinegar, making it a great complement to the broccoli and bacon.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, crumbled bacon, raisins, sunflower seeds, and red onion. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently toss the ingredients together, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture, and toss everything together to coat the ingredients evenly. Be sure not to break up the broccoli too much while mixing. If the salad seems a little dry, you can add a bit more mayonnaise or a splash of apple cider vinegar to adjust the consistency. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or honey, if needed.
Once the salad is well-mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more flavorful. If you’re making it ahead of time, you can store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before serving.
Once chilled, give the salad a quick toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients. Serve it in a large bowl, and garnish with extra sunflower seeds or bacon crumbles on top for a decorative touch. The Best Broccoli Salad is now ready to enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Fat: 22-25g
- Carbohydrates: 13-15g
- Protein: 6g