Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Tangy Dressing

Need an easy broccoli salad recipe that's *always* a hit? This creamy broccoli bacon salad with cranberries is ready in minutes and a true picnic staple! Get the recipe now.

Alright, let's dive into this!

Recipe Introduction: Crunchy Broccoli Salad That'll Make You Say "Oh My Gosh!"

Ever find yourself craving something fresh, crunchy, and just plain delicious? This broccoli salad recipe is it. Honestly, it's a game-changer. This ain't your grandma's bland veggie side.

A Classic With a Twist

Broccoli salad is an american staple. it's perfect for barbecues and potlucks. this version brings together the sweetness of cranberries with the savory crunch of bacon.

It is easy broccoli salad recipe .

Quick & Easy Crowd-Pleaser

This creamy broccoli salad takes only 25 minutes to whip up. chilling it for 30 minutes makes it even better.

It serves about 6 people. perfect for your next picnic! these summer salad recipes are the best.

Why You'll Love This Broccoli Salad

This salad is packed with nutrients. it's a healthy broccoli salad recipe option. the broccoli bacon salad combination is irresistible.

Plus, it's a great make ahead broccoli salad . it will keep well for a couple of days.

Ready to get started? Let's gather our ingredients.

Simple Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

Here is what you will need for this salad. you'll need broccoli florets, crispy bacon, red onion, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries.

For the broccoli salad dressing , you will need mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. don't underestimate the power of good ingredients.

Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of what you'll need for this cracking broccoli salad recipe . Honestly, it's dead simple. This ain't rocket science.

Ingredients: Your Arsenal for the Best Broccoli Salad

Right, let's gather our troops. This creamy broccoli salad relies on fresh ingredients, so quality matters.

Main Ingredients for Our Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe

• Broccoli: 1 large head (about 500g / 1.1 lbs ). Make sure it's firm and green. No yellowing allowed, yeah?
• Bacon: 6 slices (around 85g / 3oz ). Streaky bacon gives the best crunch!
• Red Onion: ½ medium (approx. 75g / 2.6 oz ), finely chopped. Gets a bit strong, so don't go overboard.
• Sunflower Seeds: ½ cup (about 60g / 2.1 oz ). Adds a lovely nutty crunch.
• Dried Cranberries: ½ cup (around 75g / 2.6 oz ). These little beauties bring a sweet and tart flavor.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

These are the building blocks of our amazing dressing.

• Mayonnaise: ½ cup ( 120ml / 4 fl oz ). Go for a good quality, full-fat mayo. It makes all the difference.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml / 1 fl oz ). Adds a tangy zip.
• Granulated Sugar: 2 tablespoons ( 25g / 0.9 oz ). Balances the acidity. You know, a proper sweet and sour thing.
• Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml / 0.2 fl oz ). Adds a little bit of kick.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy, yeah?

If you want, you could easily turn this into a broccoli salad without mayonnaise by swapping it for greek yogurt.

For a healthy broccoli salad recipe , you could also cut back on the sugar.

Equipment Needed: Nothing Fancy Here

No need for a kitchen full of fancy gadgets.

• Large Bowl: For mixing all the ingredients. Obvious, innit?
• Small Bowl: For the dressing.
• Frying Pan: For cooking the bacon until golden brown and crispy.
• Whisk: For the dressing. A fork will do in a pinch.

Honestly, this broccoli bacon salad is a piece of cake to whip up. It's one of my go-to summer salad recipes , and always a hit at picnic salad ideas .

Now, i remember the first time i made this for a bbq. i forgot the sugar in the dressing. you know? it was so sour.

Everyone pulled a face. learn from my mistakes.

Let's get cooking, shall we?

Okay, let's whip up some chat about this broccoli salad recipe ! honestly, this is my go-to when i need something easy and everyone loves it.

Remember that time i brought it to sarah's bbq and it was the first thing gone? good times!

Crunchy Broccoli Salad: Your New Fave Side

This ain't your grandma's boring salad. this creamy broccoli salad is packed with flavour and texture. we're talking fresh broccoli, smoky bacon, crunchy red onion, and a tangy dressing that ties it all together.

Perfect for bbqs, picnics, or just a quick lunch. think summer in a bowl! it's a true gem among summer salad recipes .

Prep Like a Pro

• Essential Mise en Place: Get everything chopped and measured out before you start. Broccoli into small florets, red onion finely diced. It's all about efficiency, innit?
• Time-Saving Tips: Cook the bacon ahead of time and store it in the fridge. I sometimes do this the night before. Honestly, life's too short to cook bacon every day.
• Safety Reminder: Watch your fingers when chopping! We don't want any culinary casualties.

Broccoli Salad: The Easy Step-by-Step

Here’s how you make this easy broccoli salad recipe :

1. Crisp the Bacon: Fry 6 bacon slices until crispy. Drain and crumble.
2. Chop Veggies: Wash and chop 1 large head of broccoli . Finely chop ½ red onion .
3. Make Dressing: Whisk ½ cup mayonnaise , 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar , 2 tbsp sugar , and 1 tsp Dijon mustard together.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix broccoli, bacon, onion, ½ cup sunflower seeds , and ½ cup dried cranberries . Hello broccoli bacon salad !
5. Dress Lightly: Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently.
6. Chill Out: Cover and chill for 30 minutes . The make ahead broccoli salad option is where its at!
7. Serve! Enjoy your broccoli salad with cranberries .

Pro Tips for the Perfect Broccoli Salad

• Don't drown it: Start with less broccoli salad dressing and add more to taste. It's like gravy – you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
• Common mistake: Overcooking the bacon. You want it crispy, not burnt to a crisp!
• For a healthy broccoli salad recipe , try substituting half the mayo with greek yogurt for a lighter twist! You could even make a broccoli salad without mayonnaise using a vinaigrette.

See? easy peasy. now go forth and make some amazing broccoli salad! perfect for picnic salad ideas , right? it's so adaptable, too – you could swap the cranberries for raisins or add some cheddar cheese.

Honestly, once you've mastered this, you'll never look back. it’s a proper crowd-pleaser and will be the star.

Okay, let's dive into some extra bits and bobs for this crunchy broccoli salad recipe !

Recipe Notes: All The Extra Goodness

Serving It Up Right

Okay, so you've made this cracking broccoli salad with cranberries , now what? plating matters, you know? i reckon piling it high in a nice bowl shows off all the lovely colours and textures.

Think summer garden party vibes!

For sides, this easy broccoli salad recipe goes brilliantly with grilled chicken or fish. or, if you're feeling proper naughty, alongside a burger and chips.

Don't forget a nice glass of something cold – maybe a lemonade or a cheeky pimms! seriously, this is one of the most versatile summer salad recipes around.

Storing Like a Pro

Right, got some leftovers? no worries! pop your creamy broccoli salad in an airtight container. fridge is your friend here, it will happily sit there for up to 3 days.

Honestly, it gets better as the flavours mingle.

Freezing isn't really recommended, as the mayonnaise tends to separate and get a bit weird. reheating... well, you don't! this is a cold salad, sunshine.

Best enjoyed straight from the fridge. perfect for picnic salad ideas , isn't it?

Twists and Turns

Fancy mixing things up? you betcha! for a lighter version, try swapping half the mayo for greek yogurt. you will get a healthy broccoli salad recipe without losing the flavour.

And if you're not a fan of mayo, i hear you, you can find many broccoli salad without mayonnaise recipes online.

Or, why not chuck in some cubed cheddar? it adds a lovely cheesy tang. for a vegetarian option, ditch the bacon and add a pinch of smoked paprika to the dressing.

Sorted! you can even swap the cranberries for raisins. like when you run out and need a substitute... we've all been there, haven't we?

A Bit About The Bits Inside

So, this broccoli bacon salad isn't just tasty, it's got some good stuff in it too. broccoli is packed with vitamins and fibre – good for your gut, you know? the bacon adds protein.

Plus, that creamy dressing – well, everything in moderation, eh?

Each serving is about 280 calories, give or take. it's got a decent amount of protein and fibre. but also some sugar.

And don't forget, this make ahead broccoli salad is perfect for prepping in advance.

Give this recipe a go and let me know what you think! Honestly, it is so easy. It's a total winner. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this broccoli salad recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Tangy Dressing is often better when made a few hours in advance. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely, a bit like a good stew improving overnight. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

How long does broccoli salad last in the fridge?

Broccoli salad will generally keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. However, the broccoli might lose some of its crispness over time, especially if it wasn't blanched. Like a wilting rose after a few days, it's still good, just not quite as vibrant! Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

I'm not a fan of bacon. Are there any good substitutions for the bacon in this broccoli salad recipe?

No worries, mate! If bacon isn't your cup of tea, you can easily omit it for a vegetarian version. For a smoky flavor similar to bacon, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the dressing. Alternatively, consider adding some toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.

Can I use frozen broccoli for this broccoli salad recipe?

While fresh broccoli is preferred for its superior texture, you can use frozen broccoli in a pinch. Make sure to thaw it completely and drain it very well to remove excess moisture. Nobody wants a soggy salad, right? It's best to use frozen broccoli florets rather than chopped broccoli, as the chopped tends to get mushier.

Is there a lighter dressing option for this broccoli salad? It sounds quite rich.

You bet! To lighten up the dressing, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. This will add a tangy flavor and reduce the overall fat content, a bit like swapping full-fat milk for semi-skimmed. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the dressing or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup – just use slightly less, as they are sweeter than granulated sugar.

I am allergic to Sunflower seeds, what else can I use for the salad?

That is a very common question we get with this recipe. If you are allergic to Sunflower seeds, feel free to replace them with chopped walnuts or pecans instead! They'll provide a good nutty flavor and a similar crunch. Alternatively, try using pepitas (pumpkin seeds) if you are not allergic to them. Just be sure to monitor your health after any new additions!

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