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Crunchy Loaded Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries

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A quick and easy broccoli salad loaded with crispy bacon, tart cranberries, toasted sunflower seeds, and a creamy tangy dressing. Perfect for busy evenings, potlucks, or a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 300g)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries (about 100g)
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup toasted sunflower seeds (about 60g)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 100g)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (120ml)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse 4 cups (300g) of fresh broccoli florets under cold water. Pat dry thoroughly. Chop into bite-sized pieces if needed. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool, then crumble into small pieces.
  3. In the same skillet (wipe out excess bacon grease if desired), toast 1/2 cup (60g) of sunflower seeds over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning. Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, combine 1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk or shake until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Add crumbled bacon, toasted sunflower seeds, 3/4 cup (100g) dried cranberries, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl with broccoli. Pour the dressing over the top.
  6. Using salad tongs or two large spoons, toss everything together gently until broccoli is evenly coated and ingredients are distributed.
  7. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld before serving. This step is optional but recommended.

Notes

For extra crispness, blanch broccoli for 30 seconds in boiling water then plunge into ice water before mixing. Toast sunflower seeds for added nutty flavor. Use thick-cut bacon for best texture. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for better flavor melding. Dressing can be stored separately to keep broccoli crisp. Optional add-ins include chopped green apples or smoked paprika in dressing.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon salad, cranberry salad, loaded broccoli salad, easy salad recipe, quick side dish, potluck salad, healthy salad

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/crunchy-loaded-broccoli-salad-with-bacon-and-cranberries-easy-recipe/