Go Back
Print Recipe Save it for later

Classic Broccoli Salad

This vibrant and crunchy Classic Broccoli Salad is a game changer! Packed with fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, and sweet dried cranberries, all bound together by a creamy dressing, it's a must-try side dish for any gathering.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Side
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 250kcal

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 8 slices Bacon Cooked and crumbled, about ¾ cup in total
  • ½ cup Mayonnaise
  • ¾ cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Honey
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Ground black pepper
  • 2 heads Broccoli About 1 lb, cut into bite-sized florets
  • ½ medium Red onion Thinly sliced, about ¼ cup
  • ½ cup Dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup Roasted sunflower kernels
  • 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese Cubed small, about 150 g

Instructions

  • Step 1: Cook the Bacon. Start by cooking your bacon until it’s crispy. You can do this in a skillet over medium heat or bake it in the oven for an easier cleanup. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess fat. Once it cools, crumble it into bite-sized pieces.
  • Step 2: Prepare the Dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
  • Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add the broccoli florets, sliced red onion, dried cranberries, roasted sunflower kernels, and cubed sharp cheddar cheese. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
  • Step 4: Add the Dressing. Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture and gently fold everything together until the vegetables and other ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
  • Step 5: Stir in the Bacon. Finally, add the crumbled bacon to the salad, reserving a small amount for garnish if desired. Give it one last gentle toss to incorporate the bacon.
  • Step 6: Chill and Serve. Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled, and enjoy this deliciously crunchy salad!

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons

Notes

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of lemon juice or zest to the dressing. If you prefer a lower fat version, you can substitute half the mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt. Letting the salad sit for a few hours or even overnight will enhance the flavors even further, making it ideal for meal prep.