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The Best Broccoli Salad

Eating broccoli salad is a delicious adventure of crunchy textures and vibrant flavors. The Best Broccoli Salad combines fresh broccoli florets, crispy bacon, sweet raisins, and sunflower seeds, all tossed in a creamy dressing that tantalizes your taste buds. Perfect for potlucks or summer picnics, this colorful dish is not only visually appealing but also quick to prepare—making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to share at every gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
  • 6 slices crispy bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins
  • 1/2 cup unsalted sunflower seeds
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the Broccoli: Rinse the broccoli florets under cold water and pat dry.
  2. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy (about 5-7 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
  3. Make the Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooled broccoli with bacon, cranberries or raisins, sunflower seeds, and red onion. Pour the dressing over and toss well.
  5. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: For extra crunch, try adding chopped nuts or swapping out ingredients based on your preferences. This salad can be prepared in advance; just keep the dressing separate until serving for optimal freshness.