This creamy broccoli salad is fresh, crunchy, and packed with flavor! It combines tender broccoli with a delicious dressing that makes each bite a bit of heaven.
I love how the crispy bits of bacon add a fun crunch. It’s perfect for picnics or as a side dish at dinner—you’ll want to keep coming back for more! 🥦❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are key here for crunch. If you can’t find fresh ones, frozen broccoli works too, but make sure to thaw and dry it well!
Bacon: Bacon adds a great savory touch. If you want a healthier option, consider using turkey bacon or making it vegetarian by omitting it altogether.
Dried Cranberries: They provide sweetness. You can replace them with raisins, chopped apples, or any other dried fruit you like, such as cherries.
Sunflower Seeds: These add crunch. If you have nut allergies or want a different flavor, pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts like pecans or almonds can be nice substitutes.
Mayonnaise: The base for the dressing, but Greek yogurt is a healthier substitute if you want a lighter option. It adds creaminess and tang!
How Can You Make the Perfect Creamy Dressing?
Getting the dressing just right is crucial for a delicious broccoli salad. Here are some tips:
- Start with mayonnaise and add sour cream for extra creaminess.
- Mix in apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick and balance out the richness.
- Honey brings sweetness; feel free to adjust the amount to your taste!
- Whisk everything together until smooth. This ensures there are no lumps and every bite is well-coated.
Taste your dressing before using it! You can always adjust the flavors by adding more vinegar for tang or honey for sweetness.
Easy Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 small heads)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to chill in the fridge. Just mix, chill, and enjoy a great side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the fresh broccoli florets, chopped red onion, cooked bacon pieces, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and crumbled feta cheese. Give everything a gentle stir to combine well.
2. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Mix until the dressing is smooth and creamy. This dressing will bring all the flavors together beautifully!
3. Mix the Dressing with the Salad:
Pour the creamy dressing over the broccoli mixture. Toss everything really well until all the ingredients are evenly coated with that delicious dressing.
4. Season to Your Taste:
Add salt and pepper to taste. Give it another gentle toss to make sure the seasoning is spread throughout the salad.
5. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors meld together and makes the broccoli a little more tender.
6. Final Touches and Enjoy:
Before serving, give the salad one last stir. Enjoy the salad chilled as a scrumptious and creamy side dish! Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any meal!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Broccoli Salad
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before using it in the salad. Fresh broccoli offers a nice crunch, but thawed frozen broccoli will work too.
How Do I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. You can replace it with additional sunflower seeds or even some roasted chickpeas for added protein and crunch!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving to mix everything up again!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day!
