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–+ servings

Broccoli Bliss Salad

The perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and irresistible flavors, this Broccoli Bliss Salad transforms often-overlooked broccoli into a crowd-pleasing favorite that even veggie skeptics can't resist.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Cutting Board
  • Chef's Knife

Ingredients
  

For the Salad

  • 6 cups fresh broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 8 slices bacon cooked crispy and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds unsalted

For the Dressing

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Wash the broccoli thoroughly and cut into bite-sized florets. For maximum tenderness without sacrificing crunch, blanch the broccoli by plunging it into boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately transferring to an ice bath. Drain well.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange bacon strips in a single layer. Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until crispy. Once cooled, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  • In a large bowl, combine broccoli, red onion, cheese, bacon, cranberries, and sunflower seeds. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour, though three hours is ideal for flavor development.

Notes

For best results when preparing more than 24 hours ahead, store the dressing separately and combine 3 hours before serving.
To make this salad lighter, substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise and reduce the sugar.
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cheese alternative and vegan mayonnaise.
To refresh day-old salad, add a splash of apple cider vinegar and a handful of fresh broccoli florets.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 10gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 480mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8g
Keyword Broccoli Salad, Potluck Salad, Creamy Broccoli Salad, Summer Salad, Broccoli Bliss
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