Description
This Best Broccoli Salad Recipe is a refreshing and flavorful side dish featuring crisp broccoli florets, sharp cheddar cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy sunflower seeds, all tossed in a creamy honey apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a healthy addition to any meal, this salad offers a delightful balance of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ cup red onion (finely chopped)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds or chopped pecans
Dressing Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli: Wash and dry fresh broccoli florets thoroughly, then chop them into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure every bite is easy and enjoyable.
- Make the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creamy dressing perfectly balances tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, finely chopped red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss everything thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Chill & Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate it for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve the salad chilled and enjoy a refreshing, crisp dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the sunflower seeds or replace with roasted chickpeas for crunch.
- You can substitute dried cranberries with raisins or chopped dried cherries for different flavor profiles.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey or maple syrup according to taste.
- This salad is best served chilled but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for optimal freshness.
- Greek yogurt can be replaced with sour cream for a richer dressing.
- Toast the sunflower seeds or pecans lightly for added depth and crunch.
