Best Broccoli Salad

🥦 The Best Classic Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe 🥗

The Ultimate Crowd-Pleasing Side Dish

Looking for the perfect side dish for your next potluck, BBQ, or family meal? Look no further! This Best Broccoli Salad recipe is a timeless classic for a reason. It combines the satisfying crunch of fresh raw broccoli with savory bacon, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet dressing that brings all the flavors together in perfect harmony. It’s easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and is guaranteed to disappear fast!

Prep Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1-4 hours (Recommended)
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yields: 8 servings

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 8 cups (about 2 large heads or 1.5 lbs) fresh broccoli florets, cut into small, bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup crispy cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6-8 slices of bacon)
• ½ cup sweetened dried cranberries (or raisins/golden raisins)
• ½ cup salted sunflower seed kernels
• ½ cup thick-cut shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional, but highly recommended)
• ⅓ cup finely diced red onion

For the Creamy Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise (full-fat is best for richness)
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• Pinch of salt (optional, as bacon and cheese add saltiness)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, and black pepper until the sugar is fully dissolved and the dressing is smooth and well-combined.
2. Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness or tanginess as desired. Add a pinch of salt only if necessary (remember the bacon and cheese will be salty). Set aside.

Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients

1. In a very large bowl, combine the bite-sized broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, shredded cheddar cheese (if using), and diced red onion.
2. Gently toss all the ingredients together to distribute them evenly.

Step 3: Dress and Chill

1. Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the broccoli mixture.
2. Toss everything thoroughly until all the broccoli and add-ins are completely coated with the dressing.
3. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but ideally 3 to 4 hours. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the dressing to permeate the raw broccoli, softening it slightly and allowing all the delicious flavors to meld together.

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