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Creamy broccoli salad with bacon, cranberries, almonds, and red onion in a ceramic bowl

The Best Broccoli Salad | Amazing Easy Summer Recipe


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  • Author: kai
  • Total Time: 15 minutes plus 1 to 2 hours chilling
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

The Best Broccoli Salad is a creamy, crunchy summer side dish made with fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and a tangy homemade dressing. It is easy to prepare, perfect for potlucks, picnics, barbecues, and family gatherings, and tastes even better after chilling.


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup mayonnaise

1½ tablespoons granulated sugar

3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1⅓ pounds broccoli florets, finely chopped into bite size pieces

8 slices crispy cooked bacon, chopped

⅓ cup chopped red onion

½ cup sweetened dried cranberries

⅓ cup sliced almonds


Instructions

1. Whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper until smooth.

2. Combine the chopped broccoli, bacon, red onion, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds in a large bowl.

3. Pour the dressing over the salad.

4. Toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.

5. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.

6. Toss again before serving and enjoy chilled.

Notes

Refrigerating the salad before serving improves the flavor and texture.

Raw broccoli provides the best crunch, but you can briefly blanch it for a softer texture.

Cut the broccoli into small bite size pieces so the dressing coats every bite.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Stir well before serving leftovers.

Substitute Miracle Whip for mayonnaise if desired.

Use red wine vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar if preferred.

Replace dried cranberries with dried cherries or dried blueberries.

Swap almonds for pecans, walnuts, pistachios, sunflower seeds, or pine nuts.

Optional additions include cheddar cheese, feta, bleu cheese, grapes, or cauliflower.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Summer Veggies Recipes
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 283
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 205 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 13 mg