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Loaded Broccoli Crunch Salad Recipe with Crispy Bacon and Cranberries

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A quick and easy broccoli salad featuring a crunchy mix of fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, dried cranberries, and a creamy tangy dressing. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a satisfying weeknight side.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces (about 300g)
  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • 2 medium celery stalks, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 100g)
  • 6 slices crispy bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • ½ cup dried cranberries (about 70g)
  • ⅓ cup sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts (about 40g), optional
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (about 120ml)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, optional
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 8–10 minutes until crispy, turning occasionally. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
  2. While bacon cooks, rinse and chop broccoli into small florets. Finely dice the red onion and thinly slice the celery. Combine all in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Add shredded cheddar cheese and sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts to the bowl and stir to combine.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, granulated sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat evenly. Fold in the crumbled bacon and dried cranberries last to maintain their texture.
  6. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Add bacon just before serving if you want it extra crisp.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, substitute cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative or omit it. For a lower-fat dressing, replace half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or dairy-free coconut yogurt. Add bacon just before serving to keep it crispy. If dressing is too thick, loosen with a splash of milk or water. Avoid overmixing to maintain crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon salad, cranberry salad, crunchy salad, easy salad recipe, potluck salad, holiday salad

Find it online: https://snappyspoon.com/loaded-broccoli-crunch-salad-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-and-cranberries-easy-and-delicious/