Broccoli Salad Recipe

The scent of crisp, fresh broccoli mingling with a tangy dressing fills the air as you prepare this vibrant dish. Crunchy, colorful, and satisfying, broccoli salad is not just a side; it’s the life of the party! Whether you’re prepping for a summer barbecue or just trying to impress your family on a weeknight, this dish will have everyone diving in for seconds.

I remember the first time I made this dish at a potluck dinner. My friends couldn’t get enough of it! It was an unexpected hit that had them asking for the recipe. Now, it’s my go-to whenever I want to bring something special to the table. Anticipate an explosion of flavors that will have even the pickiest eaters asking for more!

I once brought this broccoli salad to a family reunion and heard my cousin rave about it for weeks afterward!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Broccoli: Use firm florets that are bright green for the best taste and texture.
• Red Onion: Adds a zesty crunch; choose a small onion to keep its flavor balanced.
• Cheddar Cheese: Grated sharp cheddar gives richness; feel free to swap with another cheese if desired.
• Dried Cranberries: These add sweetness and color; look for plump ones for extra flavor.
• Sunflower Seeds: Toasted seeds introduce nuttiness; buy pre-toasted or toast them yourself in minutes.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base; opt for light mayo if you’re looking to cut calories without sacrificing taste.
• Cider Vinegar: Provides tanginess that balances the richness; apple cider vinegar works best here.
• Honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally; adjust according to your taste preference.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare yourself for some culinary magic as we dive into creating this scrumptious broccoli salad!

Prep the Broccoli: Start by washing one large head of fresh broccoli under cool water. Cut into bite-sized florets and set aside in a mixing bowl.

Sauté the Onion (Optional): If you prefer less raw flavor, sauté half a finely chopped red onion in olive oil over medium heat until soft and translucent—about 5 minutes.

Mix Up the Dressing: In another bowl, whisk together half a cup of mayonnaise, two tablespoons of cider vinegar, and two tablespoons of honey until smooth and creamy.

Toss Everything Together!: In your mixing bowl with the broccoli, add the sautéed onion (if using), half a cup of grated cheddar cheese, half a cup of dried cranberries, and one-third cup of sunflower seeds.

Dress It Up!: Pour your creamy dressing over all ingredients in the bowl. Gently toss everything together until well-coated—be gentle so you don’t break up those beautiful florets.

Chill Before Serving!: Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully together!

This bright and crunchy broccoli salad will steal the show at any gathering. So grab those veggies, mix up that dressing, and get ready to enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by washing the broccoli thoroughly to remove dirt. Next, chop it into bite-sized florets while preparing your dressing in a separate bowl.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients like sunflower seeds for almonds or add cranberries for a sweet touch. Experimentation keeps things exciting!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days without losing its crunch.

I remember making this salad for my best friend’s wedding reception—everyone loved it! They even asked me for the recipe, which made me feel like a culinary rock star.

FAQ

What can I substitute for broccoli in this salad?

Cauliflower works well as a substitute if you prefer something different.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, prepare everything except dressing a day in advance for best results.

How long does this salad last in the fridge?

Enjoy it within three days for optimal freshness and flavor!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Broccoli Salad

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Enjoy a vibrant and crunchy broccoli salad, packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large head fresh broccoli (about 4 cups florets)
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Wash the broccoli under cool water, then cut into bite-sized florets. Place in a mixing bowl.
2. Optional: Sauté the chopped red onion in olive oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes until soft.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey until smooth.
4. Add the sautéed onion (if using), cheddar cheese, cranberries, and sunflower seeds to the broccoli.
5. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss until well coated.
6. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

• For added crunch, consider swapping sunflower seeds with almonds or pecans.
• Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of honey to suit your taste.
• Enhance flavors just before serving by adding a splash of lemon juice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: Optional sautéing for about 5 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (180g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 15mg