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The Ultimate Crunchy Classic Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Creamy Dressing

Close-up of creamy broccoli salad topped with bacon bits, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds.

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Make this classic, creamy, and crunchy broccoli salad. It combines fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, and sunflower seeds in a tangy, sweet dressing. This salad is perfect for potlucks and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
  • 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and shredded cheddar cheese. Set aside.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth.
  3. Pour the creamy dressing over the broccoli mixture.
  4. Toss all ingredients gently until the broccoli and other additions are evenly coated with the dressing.
  5. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to blend.
  6. Stir the salad again just before serving.

Notes

  • For a tangier dressing, increase the apple cider vinegar by one tablespoon.
  • You can prepare the dressing up to two days ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
  • If you want a less sweet salad, reduce the sugar in the dressing to one tablespoon.
  • Make this salad ahead of time; it tastes best after chilling for several hours.

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