EASY BROCCOLI SALAD

EASY BROCCOLI SALAD: A Fresh, Crunchy Delight You’ll Crave Daily

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s vibrant, refreshing, and packed with nutrients, look no further than Easy Broccoli Salad. This classic, no-cook salad is a staple at picnics, potlucks, and weeknight dinners for good reason. It’s crunchy, creamy, and slightly sweet with just the right amount of tang. Best of all? You don’t need to be a kitchen expert to whip it up in minutes.

🥦 Why This Broccoli Salad Stands Out

Broccoli salad combines crisp raw broccoli with a creamy dressing, balanced by sweet, tangy, and savory ingredients. It’s a delicious way to eat your greens and an excellent alternative to traditional lettuce-based salads. Plus, this version requires no cooking and is fully customizable!

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

4 cups fresh broccoli florets (chopped small)
1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds or chopped almonds
6 slices of cooked bacon (crumbled) — optional but delicious

For the Dressing:

3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
Salt & black pepper to taste

🔪 Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prep the Broccoli

Wash and thoroughly dry the broccoli. Chop it into bite-sized florets. If you prefer a softer texture, you can quickly blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 1 minute, then plunge it into an ice bath. But for crunch lovers, raw is best.

Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, red onion, cheddar cheese, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and bacon (if using). Toss gently so that everything is evenly mixed.