8 servings

Classic Broccoli Salad

Recipe by: True Taste Buds

This vibrant and aggressively crunchy upgraded Midwest classic shatters the boring side dish stereotype. It features fresh broccoli florets, crispy bacon, tart dried cranberries, and roasted sunflower seeds, all tossed in a lightened-up creamy dressing.

★★★★★ 4.74 from 284 votes
PREP TIME 20 mins
COOK TIME 10 mins
TOTAL TIME 30 mins
SERVINGS 8
Classic Broccoli Salad

Ingredients

  • 6 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 8 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup roasted salted sunflower seeds
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Measure the mayonnaise and yogurt into a medium bowl. Add the vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk continuously until the sugar granules dissolve and the texture is perfectly smooth.
  2. Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli heads. Chop the florets into small pieces roughly the size of a marble. Finely dice the red onion into tiny, uniform pieces.
  3. Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture. Gently fold and toss until the vegetables are completely and evenly coated.
  4. Scrape down the sides of the bowl for a clean presentation. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a secure lid. Refrigerate for a minimum of one hour. Give the salad one final stir right before serving to redistribute any dressing that settled at the bottom.

Notes

Tip: Letting the dressing sit at room temp for 10 minutes helps the sugar dissolve. Ensure the washed broccoli is completely dry before chopping to prevent a watery dressing. Reserve a small handful of bacon, cranberries, and seeds to sprinkle on top right before serving. If you are in a rush, a 30-minute chill works, but a full hour ensures the broccoli marinates perfectly. Store in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 245 kcal | Carbohydrates: 14 g | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 18 g | Saturated Fat: 6 g | Cholesterol: 25 mg | Sodium: 420 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 9 g