EASY BROCCOLI SALAD

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional, but recommended)
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Difficulty: Easy

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Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 8 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 large heads of broccoli), cut into bite-sized pieces

• ½ cup red onion, finely chopped

• ¾ cup dried cranberries

• ½ cup sunflower seeds (salted or unsalted, roasted for best flavor)

• ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 8-10 slices)

For the Creamy Dressing:

• 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat works best for creaminess)

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or honey/maple syrup to taste)

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Broccoli
Wash the broccoli heads thoroughly and pat them completely dry. Moisture is the enemy of a good creamy salad! Cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets. If you want to reduce waste, you can also peel the tougher outer layer of the stem and chop the tender inner part into small pieces. Place the prepared broccoli in a very large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients
To the bowl with the broccoli, add the finely chopped red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds. If you are not serving the salad immediately, do not add the bacon yet to keep it crunchy. If serving right away, you can add it now.

Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or a large measuring jug, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your liking.

Step 4: Toss and Coat
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Using a large spatula or spoon, toss everything together until every piece of broccoli is evenly coated in the creamy dressing.

Step 5: The Secret to the Best Flavor
This is the most important step for an unforgettable salad. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2-4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and the broccoli to slightly soften and absorb the delicious dressing.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve
Just before serving, give the salad a good stir. If you haven’t added the bacon yet, now is the time to fold in the crumbled bacon. This ensures it stays nice and crispy. Serve cold or at room temperature.

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Recipe Tips & Notes

• Make it a Meal: Add 2 cups of shredded or diced cooked chicken to turn this side dish into a satisfying main course salad.

• Bacon Shortcuts: To save time, use real bacon bits from the salad dressing aisle (not the artificial ones) or cook bacon in the oven on a lined baking sheet at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy.

• Nut-Free Option: Swap the sunflower seeds for pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or simply omit them.

• Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, but always double-check your mayonnaise label to be sure.

• Vinegar Variation: White wine vinegar or red wine vinegar can be used in place of apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The broccoli will soften over time, and the flavors will continue to blend. The bacon will also lose its crunch, so if you are planning on having leftovers, it’s best to only add bacon to the portion you will eat immediately.

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Nutrition Information

(per serving, based on 8 servings)
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used, especially the mayonnaise and bacon.