Easy Broccoli Salad

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Description:
This Easy Broccoli Salad is a fresh and crunchy dish that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a healthy side for any meal. Packed with crisp broccoli florets, sweet dried cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing, this salad is a refreshing blend of textures and flavors that’s both delicious and nutritious.

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

  • Fresh broccoli florets: 4 cups (about 2 large heads of broccoli)
  • Red onion (finely chopped): ½ cup
  • Bacon (cooked and crumbled): 6 slices
  • Dried cranberries: ½ cup
  • Sunflower seeds: ¼ cup
  • Cheddar cheese (shredded): ½ cup

For the Dressing:

  • Mayonnaise: ¾ cup
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream: ¼ cup
  • Apple cider vinegar: 2 tbsp
  • Honey: 1 tbsp
  • Salt: ½ tsp
  • Black pepper: ¼ tsp

Optional Ingredients (for extra flavor):

  • Raisins: ¼ cup for added sweetness
  • Chopped almonds or pecans: ¼ cup for extra crunch
  • Fresh lemon zest: 1 tsp for a zesty kick
  • Dijon mustard: 1 tsp for tangy depth in the dressing

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the broccoli:
    Wash the broccoli heads and cut them into small, bite-sized florets. Blanch the broccoli (optional) by boiling them for 1 minute, then plunging into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain well if blanched.
  2. Cook the bacon:
    Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.
  3. Make the dressing:
    In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
  4. Assemble the salad:
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, chopped red onion, crumbled bacon, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Chill and serve:
    Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled, and enjoy!

Tips for Success:

  • Blanch the broccoli for tenderness: If you prefer a slightly tender broccoli texture, blanch the florets briefly before adding to the salad.
  • Chill for better flavor: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes or longer allows the flavors to develop fully.
  • Customize to taste: Feel free to swap ingredients, like using raisins instead of cranberries or adding nuts for extra crunch.

Recommendations:

  • Serve with grilled dishes: This salad pairs well with grilled meats, chicken, or fish.
  • Meal prep-friendly: Broccoli salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep.
  • Add more veggies: Feel free to add shredded carrots, bell peppers, or cauliflower to bulk up the salad with more veggies.

Nutrition (per serving, approx. based on 6 servings):

  • Calories: 250
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg

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