Crunchy Broccoli Salad Supreme

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What I love about this salad is how it brings together the freshness of crunchy broccoli with the savory goodness of bacon and cheddar. The sunflower seeds add an extra layer of crunch, while the dressing — with its perfect blend of creaminess, tang, and sweetness — ties everything together. It’s easy to make, full of vibrant flavors, and the best part? It’s even better after sitting in the fridge for a bit, making it a perfect side dish to prepare ahead of time.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets

• 1/2 cup red onion, diced

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/4 cup bacon bits (cooked)

• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 2 tablespoons honey

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. First, I bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 1–2 minutes. After blanching, I immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. I then drain the broccoli thoroughly.

2. In a large mixing bowl, I combine the blanched broccoli, diced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and sunflower seeds.

3. In a separate small bowl, I whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

4. I pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss it until everything is evenly coated.

5. To let the flavors meld, I chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 2 minutes

• Total Time: 17 minutes

• Servings: 6 servings

Variations

• Add More Veggies: I can mix in other vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers for added crunch and color.

• Swap the Cheese: If I want a different flavor, I can use feta, mozzarella, or a sharp blue cheese in place of the cheddar.

• Make it Spicy: For a bit of heat, I can add a diced jalapeño or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the dressing.

• Add Nuts: If I prefer nuts over sunflower seeds, I can substitute them with chopped walnuts or almonds for a different texture.

Storage/Reheating

This broccoli salad stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better as it sits, so it’s perfect for meal prep or leftovers. I don’t recommend reheating this salad, as it’s best served cold or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Fresh broccoli works best for this recipe, as it provides a better texture and crunch. However, if I need to use frozen, I would blanch it first and make sure to drain it thoroughly before using it in the salad.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad is perfect for making ahead. I usually let it chill for at least 30 minutes, but it can sit in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight for the flavors to blend.

How do I make this salad gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as none of the ingredients contain gluten. Just be sure to check that the bacon bits and any other add-ins are gluten-free if that’s important for you.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

Yes, I can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise if I want a lighter option with a bit of tang. It’s a great way to reduce the calories while keeping the creaminess.

Can I add more protein to this salad?

To make it more filling, I can add grilled chicken, turkey, or even tofu for extra protein. It also pairs well with a hard-boiled egg or a scoop of chickpeas.

Conclusion

This Crunchy Broccoli Salad Supreme is the perfect combination of textures and flavors, with its crisp broccoli, savory bacon, creamy dressing, and crunch from sunflower seeds. It’s a versatile side dish that can be customized to suit any taste and is perfect for making ahead for picnics, potlucks, or busy weeknights. Simple to make and packed with deliciousness, this salad is sure to become a family favorite!