The Best Broccoli Salad: A Crunchy, Creamy, and Flavor-Packed Classic
Broccoli salad is one of those timeless side dishes that never fails to impress. It’s vibrant, fresh, and filled with textures and flavors that perfectly balance each other — crunchy vegetables, crispy bacon, chewy raisins, and a creamy-sweet dressing that ties it all together. Whether you’re preparing it for a summer picnic, a potluck, or just as a refreshing side for dinner, this broccoli salad is always a hit.
Let’s dive into how to make The Best Broccoli Salad — step by step — so it turns out perfect every time.
🥦 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the salad base:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 medium heads)
- ½ small red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup dried cranberries or raisins
- ⅓ cup sunflower seeds or chopped almonds (for crunch)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
For the creamy dressing:
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey (or granulated sugar)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli
Start by washing the broccoli thoroughly under cold running water. Pat it dry using a clean kitchen towel. Cut the broccoli into small, bite-sized florets — not too large, as smaller pieces absorb the dressing better and are easier to eat.
Tip: You can also peel and finely chop the broccoli stems — they’re full of nutrients and add an extra crunch!
Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli (Optional but Recommended)
For a bright green color and slightly softer texture, blanch your broccoli:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the broccoli florets and cook for just 1 minute.
- Quickly transfer them into a bowl of ice-cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Drain well and pat dry.
This step helps maintain a crisp-tender bite and removes any bitterness from raw broccoli.
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