Classic Broccoli Salad Recipe – A Family Favorite

Easy Broccoli Salad Recipe with Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds! Perfect side dish for any family gathering.

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If there is one salad I never get tired of making, it is this broccoli salad. I bring it to almost every family party because it always disappears fast and someone always asks for the recipe. It is crunchy, salty, and sweet with a creamy dressing that pulls everything together. Basically, it is the kind of salad people actually want a second scoop of.

This version is simple and classic. Tastier than a green salad, but lighter than a mayo drenched potato salad.. The ingredients are easy and the steps are quick, which is exactly how I like to cook. If you need a reliable potluck recipe, or something fresh to meal prep for lunches, this one works every single time.

I’m trying to document the recipes I make on Sunday’s for our family dinners. Which means, it’s taking some time because I cook without weighing and measuring things.

But it’s also a win-win. Because when I measure the ingredients, I can also calculate the calories and macros, and eat with my family without going off my diet. 🙂

So here’s a family favorite from this past Sunday

How I decide how much broccoli salad to make

Depending on how many people we are having for dinner, I’ll prepare 1 cup of salad for each person. So, if we have 15 people for dinner, I make 15 cups. If we have 10 people, I make 10 cups! So, here’s the smallest version of this recipe

Why This Broccoli Salad Works

• It takes about ten minutes to toss together
• The dressing is creamy without being heavy
• You can make it ahead and it gets even better as it chills
• The flavors hit everything you want in a salad: sweet, salty, crunchy
• It feels festive enough for holidays, but simple enough for weeknights

The ins and outs of the ingredients for this broccoli salad

1. broccoli – did you know it’s high in fiber? And way more nutritious than an iceberg lettuce based salad. Fresh is best. Cut them small enough that they are easy to eat.
2. red onion – A little goes a long way. It adds great flavor and color.
3. bacon bits – (optional!) I don’t love bacon myself, so I often make this without it, but adding bacon bits really keeps it with the classic version of the recipe!
4. craisins – or raisins if you prefer! Sweet and chewy. They balance the dressing perfectly.
5. sunflower seeds – packed with antioxidants and add a great crunch! You can use roasted or raw.
6. light mayo or classic mayonnaise – or plain greek yogurt if you are wanting to up your protein! This gives the dressing that smooth creaminess.
7. apple cider vinegar – to balance out the flavors of the dressing and adds a bright tang that keeps the salad from feeling heavy.
8. granulated sugar – sugar in salad? I know it sounds interesting but trust me on this one! A small amount brings the dressing together and softens the bite of the onion.
9. coarse salt – it’s just better than regular salt and just enough to round out the flavors.

What to serve this with for a healthy diet

I love to eat this with some mashed potatoes and some form of protein! This can also be paired with fruit, corn on the cob, and some homemade sourdough bread!

How to Make This Broccoli Salad

1. Add the broccoli, cranberries, sunflower seeds, and red onion to a large bowl.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is coated.
4. Cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the fridge for at least an hour. The broccoli softens slightly and the flavors blend together.

Variations You Can Try

• Swap cranberries for grapes or chopped apples
• Use Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise to lighten it up
• Add cooked bacon for more crunch and flavor
• Add shredded cheddar for a more traditional version

Storage

This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. If you are bringing it to a party, make it in the morning and let it chill until serving time.

Salad

• 8 oz broccoli chopped (4 cups)
• 2 oz red onion chopped
• 1/4 cup bacon bits
• 1/4 cup craisins
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds without the shell

Dressing

• 1/2 cup light mayo (I use best food’s)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp coarse salt

• Chop broccoli and combine broccoli, red onion, bacon bits, craisins, and sunflower seeds in a bowl.

• Combine dressing ingredients and pour over broccoli. 

• Chill until ready to eat.

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 225cal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g

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