If you’re on the hunt for a crunchy, vibrant, and downright delicious dish that’s sure to become a go-to, look no further than this Favorite Broccoli Salad Recipe. It combines fresh broccoli florets with toasted sunflower seeds, tangy red onion, sharp cheddar cheese, and sweet bursts of dried cranberries, all tossed in a bright, homemade dressing. This salad isn’t just healthy and colorful—it’s a party on a plate that your family and friends will keep asking for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Favorite Broccoli Salad Recipe shines because of its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element contributes uniquely to the salad’s overall texture, flavor, and appearance, making the dish as delightful to eat as it is to look at.
- Broccoli florets (1 pound): Fresh and crisp, these form the crunchy foundation of the salad.
- Raw sunflower seeds or slivered almonds (½ cup): Toasted to golden perfection for a nutty crunch that complements the broccoli.
- Red onion (½ cup finely chopped): Adds a sharp, zesty punch and vibrant color to brighten the bowl.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (½ cup grated, optional): A creamy, savory addition that melts perfectly into the mix.
- Dried cranberries or dried tart cherries (⅓ cup, chopped): Sweet and chewy bites that balance the savory flavors beautifully.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (⅓ cup): The heart of the dressing, providing richness and smoothness.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tablespoons): Offers a tangy kick to brighten the dressing and bring all flavors together.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle spicy depth to the dressing.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): A touch of natural sweetness to balance the acidity.
- Garlic (1 medium clove, pressed or minced): Lends a fragrant punch that intensifies the savory notes.
- Fine sea salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
How to Make Favorite Broccoli Salad Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Sunflower Seeds
Begin by toasting your sunflower seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir them often to avoid any burning and watch for that beautiful golden color to develop. Toasted seeds add an irresistible nutty crunch that’s absolutely essential to this salad’s texture.
Step 2: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
In a large serving bowl, mix together the chopped broccoli florets, finely chopped red onion, grated sharp cheddar cheese (if using), and the chopped dried cranberries. This combination creates a wonderful mix of fresh crunch, savory creaminess, and bursts of sweetness.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, and sea salt. Whisk everything thoroughly until the dressing emulsifies and looks smooth and glossy, signaling it’s ready to coat the salad perfectly.
Step 4: Toss and Marinate
Pour the vibrant dressing over your broccoli mixture and give everything a good stir. Every piece of broccoli should be lightly coated, making sure those flavors are evenly distributed. For best results, let the salad marinate for at least 20 minutes, but overnight in the fridge will truly let the flavors meld deeply.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your salad has had time to soak up all that delicious dressing, divide it into bowls and serve immediately. You’ll love how the textures and flavors come together to create an addictive, healthy dish.
How to Serve Favorite Broccoli Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil add a burst of brightness and color on top. For extra crunch, sprinkle a few more toasted sunflower seeds right before serving. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add excitement without overpowering the salad.
Side Dishes
This favorite broccoli salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or a simple baked fish, balancing light and fresh with protein-rich mains. It also complements picnic and barbecue spreads superbly, offering a refreshing contrast to smoky or rich dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or mini mason jars for individual portions. You can also top it on a bed of mixed greens to turn it into a heartier salad or add some quinoa for a filling vegetarian meal. The colorful ingredients make it a visual star no matter how you present it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Favorite Broccoli Salad Recipe keeps very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, and the salad remains crisp, especially if it’s been properly coated with the dressing from the start.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and dressing, freezing this salad isn’t recommended. Freezing would alter the texture of the broccoli and cause the dressing to separate, resulting in a less enjoyable dish upon thawing.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating isn’t necessary, and warming it would change the texture, especially of the fresh broccoli and crisp seeds. Simply let refrigerated leftovers sit out for a few minutes before serving to bring the flavors back to life.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this salad?
Frozen broccoli tends to be softer and more water-laden, which will affect the crunch and freshness of the salad. For this recipe’s best results, always opt for fresh broccoli florets.
Is the cheddar cheese necessary?
Cheddar cheese adds a creamy, savory layer of flavor, but the salad is still fantastic without it. Feel free to leave it out if you prefer a dairy-free version or want to keep it lighter.
Can I substitute the sunflower seeds?
Absolutely! Toasted slivered almonds work wonderfully too, adding a similar nutty crunch. You can also experiment with toasted pumpkin seeds if you want a different flavor experience.
How long can I marinate the salad before serving?
At minimum, 20 minutes helps the dressing soak in nicely, but leaving it overnight in the fridge intensifies the flavors even more. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It makes for an excellent make-ahead dish. Store it in the fridge, and it will keep fresh and tasty for a few days, making weeknight dinners or packed lunches easy and enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Favorite Broccoli Salad Recipe, it’s likely to become a treasured staple in your recipe collection. It’s fresh, flavorful, and so simple to prepare—perfect for busy days or when you want to wow guests with something healthy and delicious. So go ahead, gather those ingredients, and enjoy every vibrant bite!
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Favorite Broccoli Salad Recipe
This Favorite Broccoli Salad is a vibrant, crunchy dish featuring fresh broccoli florets tossed with toasted sunflower seeds, sharp cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, and a tangy homemade dressing. It’s a refreshing side perfect for a quick lunch or a complement to any meal, offering both sweet and savory flavors combined with a delightful crunch.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 pound broccoli florets (from 1 ½ pounds broccoli stalks), thinly sliced and roughly chopped
- ½ cup raw sunflower seeds or slivered almonds
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- ½ cup grated sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries or dried tart cherries, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 medium clove garlic, pressed or minced
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Toast the seeds: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the raw sunflower seeds and cook, stirring frequently, until the seeds turn golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Be careful to avoid burning. Transfer the toasted seeds to a large serving bowl.
- Combine salad ingredients: Add the chopped broccoli, finely chopped red onion, grated sharp cheddar cheese (if using), and chopped dried cranberries to the bowl with the toasted seeds. Toss gently to combine.
- Prepare the dressing: In a 1-cup liquid measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and sea salt until well combined and emulsified.
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Stir thoroughly to coat all the broccoli and other components evenly with the dressing. For best flavor, let the salad marinate for at least 20 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor absorption.
- Serve and store: Divide the salad into individual bowls and serve immediately or chilled. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Notes
- Toasting the seeds enhances their flavor and crunch, but you can skip this step if short on time.
- The sharp cheddar cheese is optional but adds a rich, savory element to the salad.
- For a nut-free version, use only sunflower seeds or omit nuts entirely.
- Allowing the salad to marinate improves flavor melding and softens the broccoli slightly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; the salad keeps well for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
