Description
This Easy Broccoli Salad is a delightful combination of crunchy broccoli florets, crispy bacon, sweet raisins, and sunflower seeds, all tossed in a tangy and creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sugar. Perfect for a quick side dish or a healthy snack, this salad is flavorful, fresh, and ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1½ cups mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
- 3 tablespoons unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Salad
- 8 cups broccoli florets (about 1¼ pounds), cut into bite-size pieces
- 12 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and sea salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine the ingredients: Add the broccoli florets, cooked and chopped bacon, finely chopped red onion, sunflower seeds, and raisins to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure the broccoli is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill before serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the salad to become crisp and refreshing before serving.
Notes
- For a healthier version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Cook bacon until crispy for the best texture and flavor.
- You can add toasted nuts such as almonds or walnuts for extra crunch.
- This salad can be prepared a day ahead; just add sunflower seeds right before serving to keep them crunchy.
- For a lower sugar option, reduce or omit the granulated sugar in the dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for cooking bacon)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
