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Broccoli Crunch Salad Recipe

4.8 from 64 reviews

Broccoli Crunch Salad is a vibrant and crunchy side dish featuring fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets, shredded carrots, red onion, roasted sunflower seeds, sweetened dried cranberries, and crispy bacon, all tossed in a tangy and creamy apple cider vinegar dressing. This salad offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a refreshing addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Mix-ins

  • 8 ounces broccoli, cut into small florets (45 cups)
  • 4 ounces cauliflower, cut into small florets (23 cups)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled (about 1/3 cup crumbled)

Dressing

  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined, ensuring a balanced tangy and sweet flavor.
  2. Combine the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, shredded carrots, diced red onion, roasted sunflower seeds, sweetened dried cranberries, and crumbled crispy bacon, mixing gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
  3. Toss with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly, so every bite is flavorful and crunchy.
  4. Serve: Serve the broccoli crunch salad immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and fresh flavors at their best.

Notes

  • For best texture, serve the salad immediately after tossing with the dressing.
  • Bacon can be cooked in the oven or stovetop and crumbled once cooled.
  • To make this salad vegetarian, omit the bacon or substitute with crispy tempeh or smoked tofu.
  • If preferred, use a sugar substitute to reduce sugar content.
  • Salad can be chilled for up to 2 hours before serving, but it may soften over time.
  • Roasting the sunflower seeds lightly enhances their flavor but is optional if already roasted.

Keywords: Broccoli salad, crunchy salad, bacon salad, healthy side dish, creamy dressing, vegetable salad, easy salad recipe