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A vibrant bowl of the best broccoli salad with a creamy dressing.

Best way to grow the BEST BROCCOLI SALAD in 3 Steps

This classic broccoli salad combines fresh broccoli florets with crispy bacon, cranberries, and sunflower seeds, all coated in a creamy, tangy dressing. It's a perfect dish for potlucks, picnics, or a healthy side to any meal, offering a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Small bowl

Ingredients
  

Salad

  • 4 cups broccoli florets chopped
  • 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries
  • 0.25 cup sunflower seeds

Dressing

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.25 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions
 

Prepare the Salad

  • In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds; make sure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Make the Dressing

  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, and apple cider vinegar until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is smooth and creamy.

Combine and Chill

  • Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture, tossing gently to ensure all ingredients are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

For best results, prepare the salad a few hours in advance and let it chill in the refrigerator; this allows the flavors to deepen and the broccoli to slightly soften, enhancing the overall taste and texture. You can also add thinly sliced red onion for an extra zing and crunch, or substitute pecans or walnuts for sunflower seeds if preferred.