Description

This Broccoli Salad Supreme is a vibrant and crunchy cold salad featuring fresh broccoli florets, shredded carrots, red onion, dried cranberries, roasted sunflower seeds, crumbled bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Perfect as a refreshing side dish for summer gatherings or a quick, nutritious snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Fruits

4 cups fresh broccoli florets
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries

Seeds & Nuts

1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds

Meat & Cheese

1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Dressing

3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the broccoli florets, shredded carrots, finely chopped red onion, dried cranberries, roasted sunflower seeds, crumbled bacon, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Toss gently to evenly distribute all components.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and the ingredients are fully incorporated. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is coated evenly with the creamy dressing.
Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together nicely. For best results, chill up to a few hours or overnight.
Serve: Give the salad a quick toss before serving. For extra crunch, add the sunflower seeds and bacon just before serving if preparing in advance.

Notes

To lighten the dressing, substitute part or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
This salad holds up well and can be made a day ahead; add sunflower seeds and bacon just before serving to retain crunchiness.
Adjust the amount of honey and vinegar to taste if you prefer a sweeter or tangier dressing.