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Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cranberries

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A quick and easy crunchy broccoli salad combining smoky bacon, fresh broccoli, and sweet dried cranberries with a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a refreshing lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (bite-sized pieces)
  • 6 thick-cut bacon slices, cooked crispy and chopped
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
  • ¼ cup toasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds (optional)
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: Greek yogurt to replace half the mayo for lighter dressing
  • Optional: fresh blueberries or chopped strawberries instead of dried cranberries in summer

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry broccoli thoroughly. Cut into small, bite-sized florets (about 4 cups). Set aside.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook 6 thick-cut bacon slices until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. Drain on paper towels and chop once cooled.
  3. If using, toast sunflower seeds or slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Stir often and let cool.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Finely dice ¼ cup red onion and shred ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine broccoli florets, chopped bacon, dried cranberries, toasted seeds or nuts, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly until evenly coated.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and broccoli to soften slightly while retaining crunch.

Notes

For a lighter dressing, replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. To soften broccoli without losing crunch, blanch for 1 minute in boiling water then shock in ice water. Prepare salad without dressing up to a day ahead and toss just before serving to keep crisp. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid overcooking bacon to prevent brittleness.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon salad, cranberry salad, crunchy salad, easy salad recipe, potluck salad, summer salad, healthy salad

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/crunchy-broccoli-salad-with-bacon-and-cranberries-easy-homemade-recipe/