Sunflower Crunch Broccoli Salad

Broccoli Salad: A Summertime Staple

This broccoli salad is a delightful combination of fresh, crunchy textures and sweet and savory flavors, making it a perfect side dish for countless meals. Its simple preparation and customizable ingredients make it a go-to recipe for barbecues, potlucks, and family gatherings.

Why This Broccoli Salad Stands Out

What makes this broccoli salad exceptional? The creamy homemade dressing perfectly complements the fresh broccoli, salty sunflower seeds, and crispy bacon. Plus, the recipe is incredibly adaptable to your personal preferences.

Key Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to create this crowd-pleasing salad:

• Fresh Broccoli: The base of the salad, providing a satisfying crunch and essential nutrients.
• Red Onion: Adds a sharp, pungent bite that balances the sweetness.
• Celery: Contributes a refreshing crispness and mild flavor.
• Sunflower Seeds: Offer a delightful salty and nutty crunch.
• Bacon: Cooked until crispy and crumbled, bacon provides a smoky, savory element.
• Sweetener (Optional): Raisins, dried cranberries (Craisins), or halved red seedless grapes add a chewy sweetness.
• Seasoning: Salt and black pepper to enhance the overall flavor.

Creamy Dressing Ingredients:

• Granulated Sugar: Provides the necessary sweetness to balance the tanginess.
• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dressing. Plain Greek yogurt can be substituted for a tangier, healthier option.
• White Vinegar: Adds a tangy kick. Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar can be used for slightly different flavor profiles.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

How to Make Broccoli Salad

This fail-proof recipe is incredibly easy to follow. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • Chop the raw broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
   • Finely dice the red onion and celery.
   • Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it.

   • Combine Salad Ingredients:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, red onion, celery, sunflower seeds, crumbled bacon, and your choice of sweetener (raisins, dried cranberries, or grapes).

   • Make the Creamy Dressing:

   • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sugar, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), white vinegar (or other vinegar), salt, and pepper until well combined.

   • Dress and Toss:

   • Pour the creamy dressing over the broccoli mixture and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.

   • Serve or Store:

   • Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The salad's flavor improves as it sits, allowing the dressing to marinate.

Tips for Storing and Making Ahead

• Storage: Store leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. After this time, the broccoli may start to wilt.
• Make Ahead: To prepare the salad in advance, chop all the vegetables and store them in the refrigerator. Make the dressing separately and store it in an airtight container as well. Combine the salad and dressing right before serving to maintain the broccoli's crispness.

Serving Suggestions

Broccoli salad is a versatile side dish that pairs well with various main courses. Here are a few ideas:

• Grilled burgers and hot dogs
• Chicken wraps
• Grilled cheese sandwiches
• Smoked chicken wings
• Baked ribs

Variations and Additions

Feel free to customize this broccoli salad to your liking. Here are some popular additions:

• Cheese: While this recipe doesn't include cheese, you can add shredded cheddar, feta, or goat cheese for a different flavor dimension.
• Nuts: Besides sunflower seeds, consider adding chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans for extra crunch.
• Other Vegetables: Shredded carrots, bell peppers, or even cauliflower florets can be added for more color and nutrients.

Broccoli Salad Recipe Ingredients:

• 8 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-size pieces
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1 cup crumbled bacon
• 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Chop the broccoli, red onion, and celery. Cook and crumble the bacon.
2. In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, red onion, celery, sunflower seeds, crumbled bacon, and raisins or dried cranberries (if using).
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, mayonnaise, white vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.