Can I make Sweet Classic Broccoli Salad the night before?

Yes—just know the bacon may soften. If you want the best texture, mix everything except bacon, chill overnight, and stir in bacon right before serving.

What can I use instead of sunflower seeds?

Chopped pecans or sliced almonds work great for crunch. If you’re nut-free, stick with seeds or try pumpkin seeds.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days . It’ll stay tasty, though the bacon may lose some crisp.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

I don’t recommend it here. Frozen broccoli tends to get soft and watery once thawed, and this salad is all about that crisp crunch.

Is there a lighter swap for mayonnaise?

You can try a mix of half mayo and half plain Greek yogurt. It’ll be tangier and a bit lighter, but still creamy.

Sweet Classic Broccoli Salad: Irresistibly Easy in 4 Steps

Description

Sweet Classic Broccoli Salad is a creamy, crunchy side dish made with fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, sweet dried cranberries, red onion, and a tangy mayo dressing. It’s the perfect make-ahead salad for potlucks, BBQs, holidays, or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salad:

9 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1-inch pieces)
3/4 cup bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup sunflower seeds

For the Dressing:

1 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables:
Cut broccoli into bite-sized florets and dice the red onion. Place both in a large mixing bowl.
Make the Dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Salad:
Add dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and crumbled bacon to the broccoli mixture. Pour dressing over the top and stir gently until evenly coated.
Chill:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

For extra crispy bacon, add it just before serving if making ahead.
Salad can be made up to 6 hours in advance.
Substitute sunflower seeds with sliced almonds or chopped pecans if desired.
For a lighter option, use half mayonnaise and half plain Greek yogurt.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (for cooking bacon)
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook (aside from bacon)
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 410 mg
Fat: 27 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 7 g
Cholesterol: 25 mg