Classic Broccoli Salad

Name: Classic Broccoli Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large head Broccoli, about 1 ½ pounds, cut into very small florets (see tips); 8 ounces Thick-cut bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled; 1/2 cup Red onion, finely diced; 1/2 cup Dried cranberries, or raisins; 1/2 cup Roasted, salted sunflower seeds, or slivered almonds; 1 cup Mayonnaise, high-quality, full-fat for best texture; 1/3 cup Sour cream, or plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar, or white wine vinegar; 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar, or honey; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, optional, for depth; 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt, plus more to taste; 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground

frombakeunion.com bakeunion.com/broccoli-sala

This classic broccoli salad combines fresh, crisp broccoli florets with smoky bacon, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy sunflower seeds, all coated in a perfectly balanced, creamy, tangy-sweet dressing. It's a crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and weeknight dinners.

20 min

6 servings

American

Ingredients

Instructions

Prepare the broccoli. Cut the broccoli head into very small, bite-sized florets. For the most tender texture and best dressing adherence, I recommend peeling the tough outer skin from the thick stalk with a vegetable peeler, then dicing the tender inner stalk into small pieces. Add all broccoli to a very large mixing bowl.
Make the dressing. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper until completely smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning—you want a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and creamy.
Combine the salad. To the large bowl with the broccoli, add the crumbled bacon, diced red onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds. Pour the dressing over the top.
Mix and rest. Using a large spatula or salad tongs, gently toss everything together until every piece of broccoli is evenly coated with the creamy dressing. For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the broccoli to soften slightly and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serve and enjoy. Give the salad a final toss, transfer to a serving bowl, and garnish with an extra sprinkle of bacon and seeds if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy the incredible crunch and flavor!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1
Calories: 380 calories
Protein Content: 8