Broccoli Salad Recipe

Broccoli salad in a white bowl with a pink and gold fork and spoon. A pink cloth surrounds it.

Delicious anytime, this fresh broccoli salad is loaded with crispy broccoli, sweet cranberries, and a creamy dressing that you'll want to drink from the jar. Perfect year-round, it's a great pick for both summer BBQs and cozy winter dinners. Simple to throw together, it’s sure to become a go-to for quick meal prep or when you need a memorable dish at any gathering!

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Course Salad

Servings Servings

Calories 306

Protein 12

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

1 lb broccoli - cut into small pieces, this was about 1 head of broccoli for me, including finely slicing the stems. 5-6 cups
100 g sharp cheddar cheese - shredded with the large holes on the grater, 1 cup
110 g dried cranberries - ⅔ cup
107 g bacon - diced or crumbled (any bacon will work), ½ cup
75 g pumpkin seeds - ½ cup
60 g red onion - diced into small pieces

Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise - I use my homemade mayo
1/4 cup greek yogurt
1/4 cup cottage cheese
1.5 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 Tablespoons honey
1.5 tablespoons dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Optional: Toast the pumpkin seeds in a pan over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
75 g pumpkin seeds
Add all of the salad dressing ingredients to a blender and blend for 1 minute until smooth. You can also use an immersion blender in a wide-mouthed jar.
1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup greek yogurt, 1/4 cup cottage cheese, 1.5 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 Tablespoons honey, 1.5 tablespoons dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Add all of the prepared salad ingredients to a large mixing bowl and mix well.
1 lb broccoli, 100 g sharp cheddar cheese, 110 g dried cranberries, 107 g bacon, 60 g red onion, 75 g pumpkin seeds
Pour the salad dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
If you have time, allow the salad to chill in the fridge for an hour. Then serve and enjoy!

Notes

Chilling Time: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to really come together.

Serving Temperature: This salad tastes best when served cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics or outdoor events.

Cut Size: Keep the broccoli pieces small and consistent for the best texture and to ensure each bite is packed with flavor from the other ingredients.

Dressing Consistency: If the broccoli salad dressing feels too thick, thin it out with a little milk or water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Storage instructions

Airtight Container: Keep the broccoli bacon salad in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other flavors in the fridge.

Refrigerate: This salad can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often improve with a little time, making the leftovers just as exciting!

Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as it will soften the broccoli and affect the creamy dressing’s consistency. Stick to chilling it!

Revive the Crunch: If the salad starts to lose its crunch, sprinkle some fresh pumpkin seeds or bacon bits over the top before serving again.

Nutritional Information