If you’re craving a salad that bursts with vibrant colors, textures, and flavors, this Broccoli Salad with Creamy Cranberry and Sunflower Seed Dressing Recipe is your new best friend. Crisp broccoli florets meet tangy dried cranberries and crunchy sunflower seeds enveloped in a luscious, creamy dressing that perfectly balances sweet and savory. It’s a quick, refreshing, and wholesome salad that brings a playful yet comforting vibe to any meal or gathering. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed broccoli salad any other way!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Broccoli Salad with Creamy Cranberry and Sunflower Seed Dressing Recipe are simple but thoughtfully chosen to create harmony of flavor and texture. Each element adds something special, from the crispness of fresh broccoli to the sweet burst of cranberries and the nutty crunch of sunflower seeds.
- Fresh broccoli florets (4 cups): The star of the dish, offering a satisfying crunch and vibrant green color.
- Red onion (1/2 small, finely diced): Adds a subtle sharpness and a pop of purple hue.
- Dried cranberries (1/2 cup): Sweet and tart bites that brighten every forkful.
- Sunflower seeds (1/2 cup): Nutty crunch that perfectly complements the softness of the dressing.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Creamy and savory depth that enriches the salad; swap for vegan cheddar if preferred.
- Savory bits (1/2 cup, optional): A fun crispy element to elevate texture.
- Mayonnaise or vegan mayo (3/4 cup): The creamy base that binds the salad together with tang and richness.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 1/2 tbsp): Adds a bright acidity to cut through the creaminess.
- Maple syrup or honey (1 tbsp): A touch of natural sweetness that balances tartness.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
How to Make Broccoli Salad with Creamy Cranberry and Sunflower Seed Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This creamy dressing is where the magic begins, blending tanginess, sweetness, and savory richness into one irresistible mixture. Set it aside to let the flavors meld gently before mixing.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets, finely diced red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, shredded cheddar cheese, and savory bits if you’re using them. This colorful combo not only looks inviting but offers a wonderful contrast of textures and tastes.
Step 3: Toss to Coat
Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the salad ingredients and lovingly toss everything together until each piece is evenly coated. This step ensures every bite delivers the perfect blend of crunch, creaminess, and flavor.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
For best results, refrigerate the salad for at least 20 to 30 minutes. This chilling time lets the dressing soak into the broccoli slightly, softening it and allowing all the flavors to mingle beautifully.
How to Serve Broccoli Salad with Creamy Cranberry and Sunflower Seed Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra sunflower seeds or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for an added burst of freshness and crunch that dazzle visually and delight the palate.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, baked tofu, or alongside your favorite sandwiches for a nourishing, balanced meal with plenty of texture and flavor contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it inside hollowed-out bell pepper halves, in mason jars for easy transport and layering, or as a vibrant side on your picnic spread. Presentation can turn this everyday salad into a charming centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad will continue to absorb the dressing, making it even more flavorful though the broccoli may soften further.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh or chilled as freezing would alter the texture of the broccoli and dressing, causing it to become mushy upon thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not recommended. Simply enjoy it straight from the fridge for optimal taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute other nuts or seeds for sunflower seeds?
Absolutely! Chopped almonds or pecans make excellent alternatives, adding their own unique flavor and crunch to the salad.
Is it possible to make this salad vegan?
Yes! Use vegan mayonnaise and vegan cheddar cheese, and skip the savory bits if they contain animal products. The salad will still be creamy, delicious, and satisfying.
How far ahead can I prepare this salad?
You can prepare the entire salad up to a day in advance. Just toss it with the dressing before serving or shortly beforehand to keep the broccoli crisp.
What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
White wine vinegar or lemon juice can be good substitutes that provide similar brightness in the dressing.
Can I add protein to make this a full meal?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu tossed in will transform this vibrant salad into a hearty, protein-packed meal.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli Salad with Creamy Cranberry and Sunflower Seed Dressing Recipe is one of those dishes that makes healthy eating feel like a treat. Its beautiful mix of textures, flavors, and colors create a salad so addictive you’ll want it on repeat. Whether for a family dinner, a potluck, or just because you deserve something delicious, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
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Broccoli Salad with Creamy Cranberry and Sunflower Seed Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing is a quick and easy dish perfect for a healthy snack, side dish, or light lunch. Crisp broccoli florets are combined with sweet dried cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tangy, creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup. This salad is both vibrant and flavorful, with a delightful mix of textures and tastes that can be ready in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy days or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 2 heads), chopped into small pieces
- 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds (or chopped almonds)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or vegan cheddar)
- 1/2 cup savory bits (optional, for added crunch and flavor)
Dressing Ingredients
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)
- 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set this creamy dressing aside.
- Make the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets, finely diced red onion, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, shredded cheddar cheese, and savory bits if using.
- Toss to Coat: Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 20 to 30 minutes. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld beautifully and softens the broccoli slightly, enhancing its texture and taste before serving.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use vegan mayonnaise and vegan cheddar cheese.
- Sunflower seeds can be substituted with chopped almonds or other nuts for extra crunch.
- Savory bits are optional but add a nice texture and flavor contrast.
- Make sure to finely dice the red onion to avoid overpowering the salad.
- This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days; just give it a good toss before serving again.
