Print

Fresh Broccoli Salad with Bacon Cranberries and Seeds Easy No Mayo Recipe

fresh broccoli salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A crunchy, sweet, and salty broccoli salad featuring crispy bacon, dried cranberries, and toasted sunflower seeds with a light, tangy no-mayo dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 300 grams), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
  • ½ cup dried cranberries (about 75 grams)
  • ½ cup sunflower seeds (about 70 grams), toasted lightly
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (preferably extra virgin)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley or dill

Instructions

  1. Rinse 4 cups (300g) of fresh broccoli florets under cold water. Pat dry with a clean towel to avoid watering down the salad. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Place 6 slices of bacon in a cold skillet, then turn heat to medium. Cook, flipping occasionally, until crispy and browned evenly (about 8-10 minutes). Drain on paper towels and chop into small pieces.
  3. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast ½ cup (70g) of shelled sunflower seeds for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. Finely chop ¼ cup red onion.
  5. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk until well combined and slightly thickened.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, toss the broccoli florets, crispy bacon bits, dried cranberries, toasted sunflower seeds, and diced onion. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
  7. Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes in the fridge to allow flavors to meld while keeping the broccoli crunchy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Dry broccoli thoroughly after washing to avoid soggy salad. Toast sunflower seeds to enhance flavor and crunch. Start bacon in a cold pan for even crispiness. Let salad rest chilled before serving to meld flavors. Optional additions include shredded cheddar cheese or fresh herbs. For vegan version, substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon and honey with maple syrup.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon salad, no mayo salad, cranberry salad, sunflower seeds, healthy salad, easy salad recipe, gluten-free salad, low carb salad

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/fresh-broccoli-salad-with-bacon-cranberries-and-seeds-easy-no-mayo-recipe/