Homemade Broccoli Salad

Introduction

Homemade Broccoli Salad is a refreshing dish that combines the crunch of broccoli with sweet and tangy flavors. This salad is great as a side dish for any meal, a potluck favorite, or just a healthy snack any time of the day. With its colorful ingredients and delicious taste, it’s something everyone will enjoy!

Why Make This Recipe

You should make this recipe because it’s easy, quick, and full of flavor. The combination of fresh broccoli, sweet cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and crispy bacon creates a balanced and tasty salad. It’s also a great way to include more vegetables in your diet while enjoying something delicious. Plus, the dressing is simple and makes everything come together beautifully!

How to Make Homemade Broccoli Salad

Making Homemade Broccoli Salad takes very little time. You can have this salad ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients:

2 heads fresh broccoli, chopped
1 cup dried cranberries
½ cup sunflower seeds
8 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

For the dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar

Directions:

Start by washing the broccoli. Chop it into small pieces and place it in a large bowl.
Add the dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and crumbled bacon to the bowl with the broccoli.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. This will be your dressing.
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Toss everything together until the broccoli and other ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors blend and taste even better. Enjoy your fresh and crunchy broccoli salad!

How to Serve Homemade Broccoli Salad

When ready to serve, give the salad a quick toss to mix it again. This will help spread the dressing more evenly. You can serve it in bowls or make a larger serving on a platter for easy sharing. It goes well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a healthy snack on its own.

How to Store Homemade Broccoli Salad

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Just remember that the longer it sits, the softer the broccoli may become. If making it ahead of time, you can prepare the salad without the dressing and add it just before serving for the best crunch!

Tips to Make Homemade Broccoli Salad

Use fresh broccoli for the best taste and texture.
If you want to add more flavor, consider adding cheese, like sharp cheddar or feta.
For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the dressing.
If you like extra crunch, you can add sliced almonds or walnuts.

Variation (If Any)

You can change this salad up by adding different ingredients. For example, you can include chopped apples or grapes for added sweetness. Try adding cooked quinoa for a more filling dish or adding some red onion for an extra kick of flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can make it a day in advance and let the flavors meld in the refrigerator. Just add bacon right before serving for added crispiness.

How do I make this salad vegetarian?
Simply omit the bacon and you can add more nuts or seeds for extra protein.

What can I use instead of sunflower seeds?
You can use any nuts or seeds you like, such as pumpkin seeds or chopped walnuts.