Description
The Best Broccoli Salad is crunchy, creamy, and full of flavor. With fresh broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and a tangy-sweet dressing, this easy salad is perfect for family gatherings, BBQs, or quick meal prep. It’s versatile, refreshing, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds (unsalted)
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: cooked beef bits, shredded carrots, fresh grapes, Greek yogurt (for lighter dressing)
Instructions
- Wash broccoli thoroughly and chop into small bite-sized florets.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli, cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and red onion.
- In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour dressing over the broccoli mixture and gently fold everything together until well coated.
- Cover bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled, topped with extra sunflower seeds or shredded cheese if desired.
Notes
For a softer texture, blanch broccoli for 1 minute and cool in ice water before using. Adjust sweetness and tanginess of the dressing to taste. Try variations like broccoli salad with apples, roasted broccoli salad, or a no-mayo version using Greek yogurt. Best enjoyed within 3 days when stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg