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Fresh Broccoli Salad with Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds

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A quick and easy salad combining crisp broccoli florets, sweet-tart cranberries, and nutty sunflower seeds with a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect for a healthy lunch or a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 300g), chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup dried cranberries (75g)
  • ½ cup shelled, unsalted sunflower seeds (60g), toasted if desired
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled (optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (120 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (15 ml)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry 4 cups (300g) of fresh broccoli florets. Chop into small, bite-sized pieces about 1 inch.
  2. Finely chop ¼ cup of red onion. Soak in cold water for 5 minutes and drain if a milder flavor is desired.
  3. Cook 4 slices of bacon in a frying pan over medium heat until crisp, about 6–8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon honey. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped broccoli, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, diced red onion, and crumbled bacon if using. Toss gently.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly without bruising the broccoli.
  7. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour, before serving.

Notes

Dry broccoli thoroughly to avoid soggy salad. Toast sunflower seeds for extra flavor. Soak onion to mellow sharpness. Bacon is optional and can be replaced with smoked paprika or smoked tofu for vegetarian/vegan versions. Salad tastes best after chilling for at least 30 minutes and can be stored up to 3 days refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, cranberry salad, sunflower seeds, healthy lunch, easy salad, creamy dressing, potluck salad

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/fresh-broccoli-salad-with-cranberries-and-sunflower-seeds-easy-recipe-for-healthy-lunch/