Description
Creamy broccoli salad brings together crisp vegetables and tangy dressing for a refreshing side dish. Crunchy bacon bits and sunflower seeds provide delightful texture, making you crave another serving.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables:
- 4 cups (960 milliliters) fresh broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup (80 grams) red onion, finely chopped
Proteins and Dairy:
- 1/2 cup (56 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (56 grams) cooked bacon, crumbled
Dressing and Toppings:
- 1/3 cup (40 grams) sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) sugar
Instructions
- Chop fresh broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces, creating a vibrant green base for the salad.
- Finely dice red onion to add a sharp, crisp element to the mix.
- Crumble crispy bacon into small, crunchy fragments that will provide a smoky flavor profile.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese throughout the salad for a creamy, tangy dimension.
- Scatter sunflower seeds to introduce a nutty texture and additional crunch.
- Whisk mayonnaise with apple cider vinegar and sugar in a separate bowl, creating a smooth, balanced dressing.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture, gently folding to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated.
- Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall taste.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 60-90 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify before serving.
- Serve cold as a refreshing side dish that combines multiple textures and flavors.
Notes
- Chill the salad for optimal flavor blending, allowing ingredients to marinate and develop a richer taste profile.
- Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed version that reduces overall calories.
- Toast sunflower seeds briefly to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the salad.
- Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives for a healthier or vegetarian-friendly option that maintains the dish’s savory essence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 183 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg