I know you love easy, fresh recipes, and today I have something special: two amazing broccoli salad options! These salads are perfect for any meal, whether you need a quick side dish or something to bring to a potluck. You’ll find a classic crunchy version and a healthy one with bacon and cheese.
I’ve broken down each recipe for you, making them super simple to follow. Get ready to enjoy some fresh, delicious broccoli salad!
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Easy Crunchy Broccoli Salad Recipe
This classic broccoli salad is a real crowd-pleaser, full of crisp textures and a sweet, tangy dressing. It’s a simple side that everyone will enjoy at your next meal.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Crunchy Broccoli Salad
- Broccoli Florets: Cut your broccoli into very small, bite-sized pieces. This makes the salad easier to eat and helps the dressing coat everything well.
- Sweet & Tangy Dressing: The balance of mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar is key. Taste and adjust to get the dressing just right for your preference.
- Add-ins for Crunch: Don’t skip the sunflower seeds and bacon bits! They give this salad its wonderful crunchy texture.
What You Need for Crunchy Broccoli Salad
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely minced
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
⏱️ Time: 15 minutes prep, 30 minutes chill🍽️ Yields: 6-8 servings
How to Make Easy Crunchy Broccoli Salad
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Wash and chop your fresh broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces. Mince the red onion very finely. Get your bacon bits, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds ready in separate bowls.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, granulated sugar, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. The sugar should dissolve nicely.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, minced red onion, bacon bits, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds. Pour the dressing over the top and stir everything until all the ingredients are well coated. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors mix together.
📝 Final Note
You can make this salad a few hours ahead of time. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Easy Healthy Broccoli Salad With Bacon And Cheese
If you’re looking for a fresh broccoli salad that’s a bit lighter but still packed with flavor, this recipe is for you. It uses Greek yogurt for a creamy dressing and still has all the great taste of bacon and cheese.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Healthy Broccoli Salad
- Greek Yogurt Dressing: Using plain Greek yogurt instead of all mayonnaise makes the dressing lighter and adds a nice tang.
- Cook Bacon Crispy: Cook your bacon until it’s really crisp. This way, it crumbles easily and adds a good texture contrast to the soft broccoli.
- Freshly Shredded Cheese: If you can, shred your own cheddar cheese. It melts better and often has a stronger flavor than pre-shredded bags.
What You Need for Healthy Broccoli Salad
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely minced
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes prep, 20 minutes chill🍽️ Yields: 4-5 servings
How to Make Easy Healthy Broccoli Salad
Step 1: Prep Broccoli and Bacon
Wash and chop your broccoli into small florets. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then let it cool on paper towels before crumbling it. Shred your cheddar cheese and mince the red onion.
Step 2: Mix the Yogurt Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and honey (if using). Season the dressing with salt and black pepper to your liking.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and minced red onion. Pour the yogurt dressing over the top and stir everything gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated. For best flavor, cover and chill for at least 20 minutes before serving.
📝 Final Note
This salad tastes best when served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.