Broccoli and Cranberry Crunch Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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This Broccoli and Cranberry Crunch Salad is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, perfect for any meal or gathering. With its combination of fresh ingredients and a tangy-sweet dressing, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients for Broccoli and Cranberry Crunch Salad

The star of this dish is undoubtedly the broccoli. It provides a crisp, fresh base that's loaded with fiber and vitamins. The dried cranberries offer a chewy, sweet contrast that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. Sunflower seeds add a nutty crunch, enhancing the salad's texture. A bit of diced red onion introduces a subtle bite, while shredded sharp cheddar cheese contributes a savory richness that ties everything together. For the dressing, mayonnaise brings a creamy texture, with apple cider vinegar adding a tangy kick. A touch of honey sweetens the deal, balanced by a sprinkle of salt and black pepper for seasoning.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer less raw onion bite, soak the diced red onion in cold water for a few minutes before adding it to the salad.
  • For a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the dressing.
  • Toast the sunflower seeds for an extra layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, making it an ideal side dish for a summer BBQ. Alternatively, enjoy it as a light lunch on its own or alongside a hearty sandwich.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a good toss before serving.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries are recommended for their sweetness and chewiness, but fresh ones can be used if you prefer a more tart flavor.

Broccoli and Cranberry Crunch Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by gathering all your salad components. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the broccoli florets, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, diced red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese. This forms the crunchy, colorful base of your salad.

Next, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This dressing will bring all the flavors together.

Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture, and toss everything until each piece is evenly coated with that creamy, tangy goodness. This step is crucial for flavor distribution.

Once everything is mixed together, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the salad even more delicious.

When you're ready to serve, give the salad a good toss to redistribute the dressing and ensure every bite is as flavorful as the last.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare.
  • Packed with nutrients and flavor.
  • Perfect balance of sweet and savory.
  • Great for meal prep or potlucks.

Ingredients

4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 large head)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli florets, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, diced red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss until all ingredients are well coated.
Step 4: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 5: Give the salad a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

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