Classic, Creamy Loaded Broccoli Salad
Broccoli salad is an all-American classic recipe that is enjoyed at potluck dinners or anytime! Chock full of healthy raw broccoli, crisp, thick bacon, tart dried cranberries, and smooth cheddar cheese, and dressed with creamy mayonnaise, this salad is super easy to put together and disappears in a flash!
Servings: 6 - 8
Ingredients
- 5-6 cups broccoli flowers stems removed, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1-1/2 cups medium or sharp cheddar cheese either shredded or cut into 1/4" cubes
- 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1-1/2 cups thick cut bacon cooked and crumbled
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup salted sunflower seeds 60g
- 1/3 cup red onion diced
Dressing
- 3/4 cup olive oil mayonnaise my family prefers Miracle Whip brand
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 - 2 Tbsp. sugar optional
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, pecans, bacon, and sunflower seeds.
- In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-combined.
- Toss the salad with half of the dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour or two (for best flavor results).
- Toss the salad thoroughly with the remaining half of the dressing.
- Serve immediately.
- Refrigerated left-over salad.
Notes
- Although most recipes call for the broccoli stems to be cut off and either used in another recipe or discarded, my family actually prefers the stems and so they are included and just cut into small, bite-size pieces.
- A fast shortcut is to use packaged broccoli flowers that are already cut up.
- Add any typical delicious ingredient that you prefer: apple chunks, grapes, shredded carrots, etc.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise.
- You can substitute honey for the sugar.
- You can add some Dijon mustard for a bit more tanginess to the dressing.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 12g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 328mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 12g