Bodacious Broccoli Salad
Crisp, colorful, and bursting with bold flavors, this Bodacious Broccoli Salad is the ultimate side dish for any occasion! Featuring tender broccoli florets lightly blanched for a perfect crunch, shredded carrots, sweet dried cranberries, and savory crumbled bacon, this salad strikes the ideal balance between sweet and savory. Toasted sunflower seeds add a nutty depth, while sharp cheddar and finely diced red onion provide richness and zing. It's all brought together with a creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey, creating a dish that’s as satisfying as it is refreshing. Ready in just 15 minutes of prep time, this broccoli salad is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or weeknight dinners. Serve it as a vibrant side or a light, wholesome meal, and watch it disappear in no time!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 0.5 cup dried cranberries
- 0.5 cup toasted sunflower seeds
- 0.25 cup red onion, finely diced
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup sharp cheddar, cubed or shredded
- 0.75 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the broccoli by cutting the florets into small, bite-sized pieces. If the stems are tender, peel and chop them into small pieces as well.
Blanch the broccoli by boiling for 60 seconds, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, shredded carrots, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, diced red onion, crumbled bacon, and cheddar cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Give the salad one final toss before serving. Enjoy as a side dish or light meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3326 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 259.1 g | 332% | |
| Saturated Fat | 54.0 g | 270% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 396 mg | 132% | |
| Sodium | 4080 mg | 177% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 166.6 g | 61% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 30.5 g | 109% | |
| Total Sugars | 80.4 g | ||
| Protein | 100.2 g | 200% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 1122 mg | 86% | |
| Iron | 9.8 mg | 54% | |
| Potassium | 1676 mg | 36% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
