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A bowl of broccoli salad with chopped red onions, shredded cheese, and bits of bacon. The salad is in a small grey bowl on a dark plate, with some salad spilled around it. A larger bowl with more salad is blurred in the background.
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Easy Broccoli Salad

Fresh and crisp, this easy broccoli salad with bacon, cheddar, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries is tossed in a creamy, tangy-sweet dressing. Perfect as a make-ahead side for potlucks, BBQs, holidays, or weekday dinners.
Prep Time15 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Servings: 8 servings
Author: kara

Ingredients

  • 8 slices of bacon cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 2 heads broccoli washed and chopped into small pieces (raw)
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded (use thicker shreds, not finely shredded)
  • 1/2 red onion chopped
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds roasted and salted, if preferred
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Dressing

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Miracle Whip), red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • Add the broccoli, bacon, cheddar, red onion, sunflower seeds, and dried cranberries to the bowl.
  • Stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors blend and the broccoli stay crisp.

Notes

  • Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces so every forkful has a good mix of dressing and toppings.
  • For the best flavor and texture, shred the cheese from a block using a coarse grater instead of buying pre-shredded.
  • Letting the salad chill for at least an hour helps the flavors blend. It’s even better if made a few hours ahead.
  • Swap the sunflower seeds for sliced almonds, chopped pecans, or pumpkin seeds if you prefer.
  • This salad is best enjoyed within 3 days. Store covered in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 475kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 793mg | Potassium: 624mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1257IU | Vitamin C: 136mg | Calcium: 285mg | Iron: 2mg