Broccoli Salad 

This fresh and vibrant Broccoli Salad is the perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, salty, sweet, and savory. It’s a classic side dish loved at potlucks, family dinners, holidays, and summer BBQs. What makes it so popular is its crisp texture, bright flavors, and the irresistible homemade dressing that ties everything together. The best part? It takes only a few minutes to prepare and holds up beautifully in the refrigerator, making it ideal for make-ahead meals or gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 8 cups fresh broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup bacon bits
• ⅓ cup red onion, diced (optional)
• ½ cup dried cranberries (optional)
• ¼ cup sunflower seeds (optional)

For the Dressing

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar or honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broccoli

Wash the broccoli thoroughly and pat it dry. Cut into small, bite-sized florets—this helps the dressing coat the salad evenly and makes it easier to eat. Place the broccoli in a large mixing bowl.

2. Add the Remaining Ingredients

To the bowl, add shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and diced red onion. If you want extra sweetness or texture, stir in the dried cranberries and sunflower seeds. These optional ingredients make the salad more flavorful and colorful.

3. Make the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar (or honey). Mix until smooth and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste. The dressing should be slightly tangy and lightly sweet—adjust vinegar or sugar as desired.

4. Combine the Salad

Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Using a large spoon, gently toss everything together until all the broccoli florets are fully coated. Make sure the dressing reaches the bottom of the bowl for even distribution.

5. Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This resting time allows the flavors to blend and softens the broccoli slightly while keeping its crunch. The salad becomes even more delicious after chilling overnight.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Give the salad a gentle toss before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled as a side dish with grilled meats, sandwiches, roasted chicken, or as part of a buffet.

Tips

• Add cooked chopped chicken for a full meal.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayo for a lighter version.
• Toast the sunflower seeds for extra crunch.

Variations

• Swap cheddar for feta or mozzarella.
• Add diced apples for more sweetness.
• Use turkey bacon for a lower-fat option.