Print

Crispy Bacon Broccoli Salad Recipe with Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds

crispy bacon broccoli salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A crunchy and creamy broccoli salad featuring crispy bacon, sweet dried cranberries, and nutty sunflower seeds tossed in a tangy dressing. Perfect for quick meals and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 300 grams)
  • 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup shelled sunflower seeds, toasted if possible
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the broccoli thoroughly. Chop into small, bite-sized florets (about 4 cups). Set aside.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Lay 6-8 slices of thick-cut bacon flat without overlapping. Cook, flipping occasionally, until evenly crisp and browned, about 8-10 minutes. Remove bacon and place on paper towels to drain and cool. Once cool, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In the same skillet, pour in 1/2 cup sunflower seeds. Toast over medium-low heat, stirring often, until golden and fragrant — about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and cool.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, salt (about 1/2 teaspoon), and freshly cracked black pepper (about 1/4 teaspoon). Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, add chopped broccoli, crumbled bacon, toasted sunflower seeds, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, and 1/4 cup finely diced red onion. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the dressing soak in without making the broccoli soggy.

Notes

For best texture, add dressing and toss salad just before serving to keep broccoli crisp and sunflower seeds crunchy. Toast sunflower seeds slowly over low heat to avoid burning. Dry broccoli thoroughly after washing to prevent sogginess. Bacon can be substituted with smoked almonds or toasted pecans for vegetarian option.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon salad, cranberry salad, sunflower seeds, easy salad, quick salad, creamy dressing, crunchy salad, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/crispy-bacon-broccoli-salad-recipe-with-cranberries-and-sunflower-seeds-easy-and-delicious/