Description
A vibrant and easy-to-make broccoli salad featuring fresh broccoli florets combined with sharp cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, bacon, sunflower seeds, and a creamy tangy dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side dish for gatherings, picnics, or everyday meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad:
- 5-6 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- â…” cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup crumbled bacon
- ½ cup salted sunflower seeds
- â…“ cup red onion, diced
Dressing:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the broccoli florets, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, crumbled bacon, salted sunflower seeds, and diced red onion until evenly distributed.
- Prepare the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, white wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Toss salad with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill the salad: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together and for the salad to chill before serving.
Notes
- For best texture, chop the broccoli into bite-size florets.
- The salad can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated.
- Substitute dried cranberries with raisins or chopped dried cherries if preferred.
- Use turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Adjust sugar in the dressing to taste for sweetness preference.