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Creamy broccoli salad featuring a savory white miso dressing, crisp florets, and smoky bacon bits.

Crunchy And Creamy Broccoli Salad

Rebecca Blumer
A classic American potluck favorite with a grown-up twist, featuring crunchy florets, smoky bacon, and a silky dressing that clings perfectly to every bite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Chilling time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 285 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Medium mixing bowl

Ingredients
 

  • 8 cups broccoli florets
  • 1/3 cup diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup bacon bits

Dressing

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Whisk the dressing until silky

  • In a medium bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and granulated sugar until the mixture looks smooth and glossy, not streaky.
  • Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then set it aside so the flavors settle for a few minutes.

Build the crunchy base

  • In a large bowl, add the broccoli florets, diced red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon bits.
  • Give it a quick toss so the mix looks evenly scattered, ensuring pops of cranberry and bacon are visible in every scoop.

Toss, then chill for the magic hour

  • Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss patiently until everything is lightly but thoroughly coated.
  • Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving, allowing the flavors to unify and the florets to soften slightly.

Notes

Safety Tip: Food safety matters at gatherings. Keep this salad chilled and never let it sit out for more than 2 hours at room temperature.
Crunch Tip: Always dry your broccoli until it feels squeaky after washing. Any leftover moisture will dilute the dressing and lead to a watery bowl.
Onion Tip: To remove the sharp bite of red onion while keeping it crunchy, soak the diced pieces in cold water for 10 minutes and drain well before adding to the salad.
Storage Tip: This salad stays fresh in an airtight container for up to 4 days, but it is best enjoyed within the first 48 hours for maximum crunch.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 5gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 345mgPotassium: 315mgFiber: 3gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 90mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg
Keyword broccoli salad, cruciferous vegetables, potluck side dish
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