Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe

My Favorite Crunchy Salad

I want to tell you about my broccoli salad. It is so crunchy and sweet. I make it for every family picnic. My grandson always asks for a second bowl.

It has broccoli, cheese, and crispy bacon. The dried cranberries are like little sweet surprises. Doesn’t that sound like a fun mix? What is your favorite picnic food to share?

A Little Kitchen Story

I first made this salad years ago. I had lots of broccoli from my garden. I needed to use it up before it went soft.

I tossed in what I had in the pantry. I added some cranberries and sunflower kernels. My husband said it was the best salad ever. I still laugh at that happy accident.

Why This Salad is Special

This salad matters because it brings people together. It is not just a side dish. It is a reason to sit and talk with loved ones.

Making food for others is a way to show you care. That is a very important lesson. It is about more than just filling a belly.

Let’s Make the Dressing

The dressing is my secret. It is just three things. You mix mayo, a little vinegar, and some sugar.

Whisk it all together in a small bowl. Doesn’t that smell a little tangy and sweet? This creamy dressing makes everything stick together so nicely.

Putting It All Together

Now, put all the salad bits in a big bowl. Use the biggest one you have. You need room to mix everything without a mess.

Pour your dressing over the top. Then toss it all together. The waiting is the hardest part. You must let it get cold in the fridge for about an hour.

A Fun Fact For You

Fun fact: Broccoli is packed with vitamin C. It has even more than an orange. That always surprises people.

So this tasty salad is also good for you. That is a win in my book. Do you have a vegetable that you love to eat?

Your Turn to Share

I have shared my story with you. Now I would love to hear yours. What is a recipe that your family makes again and again?

Or do you like to add different things to your salads? Maybe some nuts or apples? Tell me what you think would be a good add-in.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Broccoli florets	8 cups	bite-size, about 3 heads, rinsed and dried well
Chopped bacon	1 package (3.5-ounce)	or about 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
Dry roasted sunflower kernels	1/2 cup
Dried cranberries	1 cup
Red onion	1/2 cup	finely diced, about 1/4 medium onion
Sharp cheddar cheese	1 cup	thick cut shredded
Mayonnaise	1 cup
White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar	2 tablespoons
Sugar	2 tablespoons

My Favorite Crunchy Broccoli Salad

This salad is my go-to for sunny days. It reminds me of picnics with my grandchildren. The mix of crunchy broccoli and sweet cranberries is so good. I love the pop of color in the bowl. It always makes me smile.

Step 1: Grab your biggest mixing bowl. Put all your broccoli florets inside. Add the crispy bacon, sunflower kernels, and dried cranberries. Then toss in the red onion and cheddar cheese. Doesn’t that look pretty already? I still laugh at the time I used a bowl that was too small. What a mess that was!

Step 2: Now, let’s make the dressing. Use a small bowl for this part. Whisk the mayonnaise, vinegar, and sugar together. Keep whisking until it’s all smooth and creamy. (A hard-learned tip: Make sure your broccoli is very dry. This keeps the dressing from getting watery later.)

Step 3: Pour that creamy dressing right over your broccoli mix. Use a big spoon to toss everything together. Make sure every little floret gets a little coat. This is the fun part. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

Step 4: Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge. Let it chill for about one hour. This waiting time lets all the flavors become friends. Before you serve it, give the salad one more good toss. What’s your favorite picnic food? Share below!

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Salad, Side Dish

Three Fun Twists to Try

This recipe is like a good friend. It’s happy to change things up. You can make it new every time. Here are a few of my favorite ideas.

Sunshine Twist: Add some juicy orange pieces or sweet apple chunks. It makes the salad even fruitier.

Nutty Twist: Swap the sunflower kernels for chopped almonds or pecans. It gives a different, wonderful crunch.

No-Bacon Twist: Leave out the bacon for a vegetarian treat. Maybe add some roasted chickpeas for crunch instead.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving It Up Just Right

This salad is wonderful all on its own. But it also loves company. I like to serve it in a bright blue bowl. That color makes the greens and reds pop. It’s a feast for the eyes.

For a full meal, pair it with a simple grilled chicken breast. Or serve it next to a hot bowl of soup. It adds a cool, crunchy side. To drink, a glass of iced tea is perfect. A crisp white wine is nice for a special dinner, too. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Broccoli Salad Fresh

This salad is best friends with your fridge. Keep it in a covered bowl. It will stay crunchy and happy for about three days.

I do not recommend freezing this one. The broccoli gets very sad and watery when it thaws. I learned this the hard way years ago.

I once made a huge batch for a family reunion. It was so nice to have it ready. Batch cooking saves you time on a busy day.

This matters because good food should not go to waste. Storing it right means a tasty lunch is always waiting for you. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for a Perfect Salad

Is your broccoli salad a bit soggy? Always dry your broccoli florets very well after washing. A salad spinner works wonders for this.

Does the onion taste too strong? You can tame it. Soak the diced red onion in cold water for ten minutes first.

I remember when my first dressing was too sweet. Now I taste it before pouring. You can always add a little more vinegar.

Fixing small problems builds your confidence in the kitchen. It also makes your food taste exactly how you like it. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Broccoli Salad Questions Answered

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: It should be, but always check your bacon and dried cranberry labels to be sure.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Yes! Making it a few hours early lets the flavors get to know each other.

Q: What are some easy swaps? A: Use raisins instead of cranberries. Try almonds instead of sunflower kernels.

Q: Can I make a smaller portion? A: Of course. Just cut all the ingredients in half. It is very easy to do.

Q: Any optional add-ins? A: Some chopped apple adds a nice, sweet crunch. Fun fact: Broccoli is actually a flower! Which tip will you try first?

My Kitchen, Your Kitchen

I hope you love making this salad as much as I do. It always brings a smile to my face.

I would be so delighted to see your creation. Sharing food is one of life’s greatest joys.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! I cannot wait to see your beautiful bowls of salad. Happy cooking!

—Elowen Thorn.