This delightfully fresh and crunchy broccoli salad is the perfect addition to any meal! It combines crispy bacon, crunchy almonds, sweet dried cranberries, and a creamy, tangy dressing that brings all the flavors together in the most delicious way. Whether you’re preparing a side dish for a summer BBQ, a potluck, a family gathering, or simply looking for a healthy and satisfying dish to enjoy, this broccoli salad is guaranteed to impress! The combination of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy elements makes it completely irresistible. Plus, it’s super easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time!
Ingredients:
For the dressing, you will need one full cup of creamy mayonnaise, which serves as the base of the dressing and gives the salad its rich, velvety texture. To balance out the flavors, add one and a half tablespoons of granulated sugar, which adds just the right touch of sweetness. Next, pour in three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, which gives the dressing a tangy and slightly fruity note that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. To enhance the overall flavor, add a quarter teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, which brings a mild heat and depth to the dressing.
For the salad base, you will need one and one-third pounds of fresh broccoli florets, finely chopped into small, bite-sized pieces. The broccoli provides a wonderfully crisp texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that works beautifully with the dressing. To add a savory, smoky crunch, chop eight slices of crispy, cooked bacon into small pieces—this gives the salad a deliciously rich and salty bite. You will also need one-third cup of chopped red onion, which adds a slight sharpness and extra crunch to the dish. For a hint of sweetness, toss in half a cup of sweetened dried cranberries, which provide a chewy texture and balance out the savory flavors. Finally, one-third cup of sliced almonds will add a nutty crunch, making this salad even more delightful to eat!
Instructions:
1️⃣ Prepare the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Mix well until smooth and set aside.
2️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, combine all the main ingredients: the finely chopped broccoli, crispy bacon pieces, chopped red onion, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds. Toss everything together to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3️⃣ Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until the broccoli is well coated with the creamy dressing.
4️⃣ Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully and enhances the overall taste of the salad.
5️⃣ Give the salad a final toss before serving and enjoy this crunchy, creamy, and flavorful dish!
This salad is best served chilled and pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a refreshing light meal on its own. You can also customize it by adding shredded cheese, sunflower seeds, or even substituting Greek yogurt for some of the mayonnaise to make it a bit lighter.
Would you try this irresistible broccoli salad? What’s your favorite way to enjoy broccoli? 🥦✨
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