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THE BEST BROCCOLI SALAD

The Best Broccoli Salad

It started as a fridge raid before a family reunion—expired bacon bits, honey packets, and a broccoli floret hail Mary. I almost didn’t bring it. But somehow, that last-minute salad became the family favorite. Aunt Karen asked for seconds. The cousins demanded the recipe. And every year since, my mom sends a text: “Bring THE salad.” What began as a kitchen accident turned into a legacy—proof that sometimes, flavor finds you when you least expect it.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups small broccoli florets

  • ½ cup red onion (soaked in ice water)

  • ½ cup dried cranberries

  • ½ cup shredded cheddar

  • ⅓ cup toasted sunflower seeds

  • 46 slices crispy bacon, crumbled

Dressing

  • ¾ cup mayo (or half mayo, half Greek yogurt)

  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

  • 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)

  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bake bacon at 400°F for 18 mins. Crumble when cool.

  2. Chop broccoli into tiny, bite-sized pieces. Massage with 1 tsp salt; let sit 5 mins.

  3. Mix all salad ingredients in a large bowl.

  4. Whisk dressing, pour over salad, and toss to coat evenly.

  5. Chill at least 30 mins before serving for best flavor and texture.

Nutrition