Classic Broccoli Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 6
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Classic Broccoli Salad is a delightful mix of fresh, crunchy, and savory flavors that make it a favorite at picnics, potlucks, and family gatherings. It's a simple, no-fuss dish that highlights the best of broccoli, making it both a nutritious and tasty option.

Ingredients for Classic Broccoli Salad

Broccoli florets are the star of this salad, providing a fresh, crunchy base that soaks up the flavors of the dressing. Bacon, cooked and crumbled, adds a smoky, savory crunch that complements the broccoli beautifully. Sharp cheddar cheese brings a rich, tangy depth, while red onion adds a slight sharpness and color contrast. Sunflower seeds introduce a nutty crunch that ties everything together. For the dressing, mayonnaise forms a creamy base, apple cider vinegar adds tang, and sugar balances the flavors with a touch of sweetness. Finally, a touch of salt and pepper rounds out the seasoning.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra crunch, toast the sunflower seeds lightly before adding them to the salad.
  • Make this salad a day ahead; it tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had more time to meld.
  • If you’re not a fan of raw onion’s strong flavor, soak the chopped onion in cold water for a few minutes to mellow it out before adding to the salad.

Serving Suggestions

This broccoli salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats like chicken or steak, making it an excellent side for a BBQ. It's also a great standalone dish for a light lunch when topped with grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein. For a more colorful plate, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli for this salad?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
How long can I store this salad?
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt can be a healthier alternative, providing a similar creaminess with a tangy flavor.

Classic Broccoli Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by gathering all your ingredients so you have everything at hand. In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, and sunflower seeds. This forms the base of your salad, and it's as easy as tossing them all together. Make sure your broccoli is in bite-sized pieces so it's easy to eat.

In a separate, smaller bowl, you'll want to prepare the dressing. Whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth. This step ensures that the sugar is fully dissolved and the dressing has a consistent flavor throughout.

Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture in the large bowl. Use a large spoon or spatula to toss everything together, making sure that the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. This ensures every bite is flavorful.

Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the bacon and cheese can be salty, so start with a little and adjust as needed.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • No cooking required for the main ingredients, keeping it simple and quick.
  • The combination of textures: crunchy broccoli, crisp bacon, and creamy dressing.
  • Perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that will have you going back for seconds.
  • Customizable to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients

4 cups broccoli florets
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onion, and sunflower seeds.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss to coat evenly.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

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