Broccoli Cranberry Salad is a delightful combination of fresh, crunchy broccoli florets and sweet-tart cranberries, creating a burst of flavors and textures. This vibrant salad often features additional ingredients like sunflower seeds, red onions, and feta cheese to enhance its complexity.
To prepare this salad, start by blanching or steaming the broccoli to achieve the perfect balance of tenderness and crispness. The addition of dried cranberries provides a chewy sweetness, while the sunflower seeds contribute a satisfying crunch. The red onions add a mild sharpness, and the feta cheese brings a creamy and tangy element to the mix.
The dressing, typically a blend of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey or maple syrup, ties everything together. This dressing not only complements the broccoli and cranberries but also adds a creamy and slightly sweet note to the salad.
Broccoli Cranberry Salad is not only a visual delight with its colorful ingredients but also a nutritious powerhouse. Broccoli is rich in vitamins and fiber, while cranberries provide antioxidants and various health benefits.
This versatile salad is perfect for various occasions, from potlucks to holiday gatherings. It can be served as a refreshing side dish or a light meal on its own. Broccoli Cranberry Salad offers a perfect balance of flavors, making it a favorite for those who appreciate a harmony of sweet, savory, and crunchy elements in every bite.
Broccoli Cranberry Salad Recipe | S2Recipes
Details Broccoli Cranberry Salad Recipes
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Servings: 8
Ingredients For Broccoli Cranberry Salad Recipes
1 cup mayonnaise
¼ cup white sugar
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
6 strips bacon
3 heads broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ cup chopped red onion
⅓ cup salted sunflower kernels, toasted
¼ cup dried cranberries
Instructions: Broccoli Cranberry Salad Recipes
Step 1: Make dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar in a small bowl. Chill in the refrigerator until needed.
Step 2: Make salad: Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate, then crumble and set aside.
Step 3: Combine broccoli, onion, sunflower seeds, and cranberries in a large serving bowl. Add crumbled bacon and drizzle with dressing; toss until well combined.
I added shredded cheddar cheese about a cup. Delicious.
What I love most about this recipe is the simplicity of the sauce. Just THREE INGREDIENTS! Easy peasy! I never would have thought to use red wine vinegar with mayo, but it is great. I bought a bag of broccoli florets from Costco to make things easier. The hardest part of the whole thing was cooking and crumbling the bacon (in the oven is the only way to go). The only sunflower seeds I had were raw, but they worked fine in this salad. This one's a keeper! Thank you!
Delicious! My family loves it.
I made the salad for Christmas. I added 1/2 bag of shredded cheddar cheese and a handful of chopped sweet and spicy pecans. It was a big hit.
Really good salad. I've made it number of times, often subbing toasted pecans for the sunflower seeds, which I usually don't have around the house.
This was a decent recipe but there was wayyyyyy too much sugar. I used half the sugar it called for and it was still too sweet for me. We still ate it and still yummy. On the hunt for the perfect dressing. I'm sure those who like thibgs a little sweet will love this recipe
Delicious! I substituted sugar & red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar and honey. Worth taking the time to cut into small broccoli pieces.
I didn't have bacon on hand but it turned out great w/o it !
This tasted great! I added some grated Parmesan cheese and reduced the amount of dressing a bit.
All Nutrifacts of Broccoli Cranberry Salad Recipes
✅What are the main ingredients for Broccoli Cranberry Salad?
The key ingredients include broccoli florets, dried cranberries, bacon, sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and a sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
✅Can I substitute the bacon for a vegetarian option?
Absolutely! Consider using crispy tempeh, smoked tofu, or coconut bacon as a delicious vegetarian alternative in the Broccoli Cranberry Salad.
✅Is it necessary to blanch or steam the broccoli before making the salad?
Blanching or steaming the broccoli is recommended to achieve the ideal texture – tender yet with a satisfying crunch. It enhances the overall taste and mouthfeel of the salad.
✅Can I prepare the dressing in advance?
Yes, the dressing can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Just whisk it again before tossing it with the salad to ensure a creamy and well-mixed consistency.
✅What are some optional add-ins to enhance the salad?
Consider adding crumbled feta cheese for a tangy kick or chopped almonds for extra crunch. Experiment with your favorite ingredients to customize the Broccoli Cranberry Salad.
