Crisp Garden Joy: Zesty Crunchy Broccoli Salad Recipe

Summer barbecues call for a creamy broccoli salad that packs a delightful crunch.

Fresh and vibrant broccoli florets mingle with crisp bacon bits in this irresistible recipe.

Chopped red onions and sunflower seeds add unexpected texture and depth to every bite.

The tangy dressing brings a zesty punch that elevates this classic side dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Creamy mayonnaise blends with a hint of sweetness, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Colorful and nutritious, this salad comes together in minutes and promises to be the star of your next gathering.

Serve chilled and watch as everyone reaches for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 6

What Goes Into Creamy Broccoli Salad

• Broccoli Florets: Crisp green veggie packed with nutrients, choose fresh and bright green with tight buds.
• Sunflower Seeds: Adds delightful nutty crunch, select raw or roasted unsalted seeds for best flavor.
• Bacon Crumbles: Provides smoky and savory element, opt for thick-cut bacon for substantial bits.

• Red Onion: Sharp and zesty component that adds bite, select firm onion with vibrant purple color.
• Dried Cranberries: Sweet-tart burst of flavor, choose plump and moist berries without added sugar.
• Cheddar Cheese: Creamy and tangy dairy element, pick sharp variety for robust taste.

• Mayonnaise: Rich base creating smooth texture, use full-fat version for better consistency.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds tanginess and protein, select thick and creamy plain variety.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Introduces bright acidic note, choose raw and unfiltered type.
• Honey: Natural sweetener balancing flavors, use local raw honey for best quality.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste, select fine sea salt.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, use freshly ground for maximum flavor.

Tools for Tossing That Broccoli Mix Smoothly

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all salad ingredients and tossing with dressing.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dressing ingredients smoothly and eliminating lumps.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping broccoli, red onion, and preparing other ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Critical for precise and clean vegetable chopping.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Help ensure accurate ingredient proportions for consistent results.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Used for preparing and whisking the creamy dressing.

How to Make a Broccoli Salad That Pops

• Chop Broccoli and Fixings

Grab your cutting board and slice broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. Dice red onion, crumble bacon, and get your other mix-ins ready.

• Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

In a bowl, blend mayonnaise, tangy yogurt, a splash of vinegar, and a drizzle of honey. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to give it a flavor kick.

• Mix and Marry the Ingredients

Dump all your chopped goodies into a big bowl. Pour the silky sauce over everything and toss until every morsel is beautifully coated.

• Chill and Delight

Pop the salad in the fridge for an hour to let all those yummy flavors mingle and dance together. When you’re ready to serve, give it a quick stir and enjoy the cool, crunchy goodness.

Flavor Ideas to Customize Your Salad Bowl

• Toast the sunflower seeds lightly in a dry skillet for extra nutty flavor and enhanced crispiness before adding to the salad.
• Prepare this salad up to 24 hours in advance, keeping dressing and bacon separate until just before serving to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• Skip bacon for a vegetarian version or replace with smoky tempeh bits or roasted chickpeas to maintain protein and add interesting texture.
• Swap dried cranberries with chopped bell peppers or additional nuts to reduce sugar content and keep the salad keto-friendly while maintaining vibrant colors and crunch.
• Replace Greek yogurt and cheddar cheese with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt and nutritional yeast to create a delicious lactose-free version of this crowd-pleasing salad.

Serve Creamy Broccoli Salad With Crunchy Bits

• Picnic Perfect Plate: Serve this broccoli salad alongside grilled chicken or burgers for a delightful summer meal that brings fresh crunch to your plate.
• Potluck Superstar: Bring this colorful dish to gatherings, where its vibrant ingredients and creamy texture will have everyone asking for the recipe.
• Protein Power Boost: Top the salad with grilled shrimp or diced rotisserie chicken to transform it into a complete, satisfying meal that's packed with nutrition.
• Lunch Box Companion: Pack this salad in individual containers for a make-ahead lunch that stays crisp and delicious, perfect for work or school meals.

Keep Broccoli Salad Cool and Crisp

• Mix the salad 30 minutes before serving to help ingredients absorb dressing and enhance overall taste profile.
• Store the broccoli salad in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
• Keep crunchy elements like sunflower seeds and bacon separate until serving to maintain their crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
• Prepare the dressing and chop vegetables separately up to 24 hours in advance, combining just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and crispness.

Crunchy Broccoli Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy broccoli salad delivers a refreshing crunch with tangy dressing and crisp bacon bits. Cool summer sides never tasted so good, inviting you to savor each delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 5 cups (1.2 L) broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup (75 g) cheddar cheese, diced or shredded
• ½ cup (75 g) dried cranberries
• ½ cup (60 g) sunflower seeds
• ½ cup (80 g) cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
• ⅓ cup (50 g) red onion, finely diced
• ¾ cup (180 ml) mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (60 ml) Greek yogurt, plain
• 2 tbsps apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsps honey or granulated sugar
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Ingredient Fusion: Tumble chopped broccoli florets, sharp cheddar cheese, thinly sliced red onion, tangy dried cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and crispy crumbled bacon into a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Dressing Alchemy: Whisk mayonnaise, creamy Greek yogurt, zesty apple cider vinegar, and sweet honey into a silky, harmonious blend. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
3. Salad Symphony: Cascade the velvety dressing over the vegetable medley, gently folding and rotating until every morsel is luxuriously coated with the creamy mixture.
4. Flavor Infusion: Seal the salad and nestle in the refrigerator for a minimum of one hour, allowing the ingredients to mingle and develop a robust, interconnected taste. Before serving, give a light toss to redistribute the ingredients and unleash their full potential. Serve chilled and savor the multi-textured, vibrant creation.

Notes

• Cut florets into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even dressing distribution and consistent texture throughout the salad.
• Adjust mayonnaise and Greek yogurt ratio for a creamy but not overly heavy dressing that coats ingredients smoothly.
• Consider toasting sunflower seeds beforehand to release a nuttier, richer flavor profile and add extra crunch to the salad.
• Easily make this salad vegetarian by omitting bacon or swap Greek yogurt with dairy-free alternatives for a vegan-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg