Description
This Easy Broccoli Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts, potlucks, family gatherings, or even as a quick weeknight addition to dinner. With crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, tangy cranberries, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy homemade dressing, every bite delivers the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. The best part? It comes together in minutes with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Who is this Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for:
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Busy families who want a quick and nutritious side dish.
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Anyone looking for a crowd-pleasing salad to bring to BBQs, parties, or holiday tables.
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Veggie skeptics—because even picky eaters love the flavor-packed crunch of this dish.
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Home cooks searching for a make-ahead salad that tastes even better the next day.
Why it’s Great
✅ Quick and easy – No fancy techniques, just toss and chill.
✅ Balanced flavors – Sweet cranberries, salty bacon, creamy dressing, and nutty sunflower seeds.
✅ Crowd favorite – Always one of the first dishes to disappear at gatherings.
✅ Customizable – Swap ingredients based on preference (yogurt for sour cream, apple cider vinegar for white wine vinegar, etc.).
✅ Fresh and healthy – A fun way to enjoy raw veggies without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
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5–6 cups fresh broccoli florets
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (thicker shred is best)
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⅔ cup dried cranberries
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½ cup crispy bacon, crumbled
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½ cup salted sunflower seeds
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⅓ cup red onion, finely diced
For the Dressing:
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¾ cup mayonnaise (olive oil mayo recommended)
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¼ cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
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1 ½ Tbsp white wine vinegar (or apple cider/red wine vinegar)
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3 Tbsp sugar
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¼ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, cranberries, bacon, sunflower seeds, and onion.
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In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
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Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until well coated.
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For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
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Toss again just before serving and enjoy!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
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Large mixing bowl
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Small mixing bowl
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Whisk
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Sharp knife & cutting board
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Measuring cups & spoons
Storage
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving to refresh the texture.
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Make Ahead: Prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.
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Freezing: Not recommended, as the broccoli and dressing will lose their texture.
FAQ
1. Do I need to blanch the broccoli first?
Not necessarily—this recipe uses raw broccoli for a fresh crunch. If you prefer softer broccoli, blanch for 1 minute in boiling water, then cool immediately in ice water.
2. Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the bacon or replace it with plant-based bacon crumbles.
3. What can I substitute for cranberries?
Raisins, dried cherries, or chopped dates work perfectly.
4. Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Absolutely. Apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or champagne vinegar are all great swaps.
5. Is this salad healthy?
Yes! It’s loaded with fresh vegetables, protein from cheese and bacon, and healthy fats from sunflower seeds. For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream.
Conclusion
This Easy Broccoli Salad is a must-have recipe for any occasion—whether you’re prepping for a backyard BBQ, a family holiday, or just want a fresh and tasty side dish at home. With minimal prep, customizable ingredients, and a flavor that even picky eaters love, this salad will quickly become one of your go-to recipes. Serve it chilled, share it with friends, and watch it disappear!
