If you’re searching for a vibrant side that’s as delicious as it is beautiful, Broccoli Cranberry Salad is the answer. This irresistible dish brings together crisp broccoli florets, sweet-tart dried cranberries, sharp cheddar, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s the kind of easy salad that always disappears first at potlucks and family dinners, thanks to its pop of color, range of textures, and crave-worthy flavors. Whether you’re looking for a make-ahead holiday side or a quick way to jazz up your lunches, Broccoli Cranberry Salad is going to win you over with every bite.

Broccoli Cranberry Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this salad is in its simplicity: every ingredient is easy to find and plays a starring role in the final flavor and texture. You’ll love how each component adds a little something special, from crunch to creaminess to bursts of sweetness.

Fresh broccoli florets: Use crisp, bite-sized pieces for the perfect fresh crunch and vibrant green color.
Dried cranberries: These add a chewy, sweet-tart note that balances the savory elements beautifully.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The cheese brings creamy, tangy richness and a pop of golden color.
Red onion: Finely diced for a mild bite and a touch of color.
Sunflower seeds or chopped pecans: Choose your favorite for a toasty, nutty crunch.
Mayonnaise: Acts as the base of the creamy dressing, pulling all the flavors together.
Apple cider vinegar: Provides zippy acidity that brightens the salad.
Honey: Just a bit for natural sweetness and balance.
Salt and black pepper: Season to taste and bring all the ingredients into perfect harmony.

How to Make Broccoli Cranberry Salad

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Mix-Ins

Start by chopping your fresh broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. This makes the salad easy to eat and ensures every forkful is loaded with crunch. Dice your red onion as finely as possible for a subtle kick without overwhelming the other flavors. Gather your dried cranberries, cheddar cheese, and sunflower seeds (or pecans), and get ready to combine everything in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth. This simple dressing is creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet, coating every ingredient evenly.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Pour the dressing over your bowl of broccoli, cranberries, cheese, onion, and seeds. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, making sure every morsel gets a little love from that dreamy dressing. You’ll see the colors come alive as you mix!

Step 4: Chill and Let the Flavors Mingle

Cover your Broccoli Cranberry Salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to meld and the broccoli to tenderize just slightly, making the salad even tastier. Give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

How to Serve Broccoli Cranberry Salad

Garnishes

For an extra-special finish, sprinkle a handful of additional sunflower seeds or pecans on top right before serving. A few extra dried cranberries or a dusting of shredded cheddar make the salad look as inviting as it tastes. Chopped fresh parsley or chives also add a lovely burst of green.

Side Dishes

Broccoli Cranberry Salad is a natural fit alongside grilled chicken, roast turkey, or baked fish. It’s also terrific with hearty sandwiches or as part of a buffet spread at gatherings. The refreshing crunch and sweet-savory balance make it a standout companion to rich, main-dish proteins.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the salad in individual mason jars for picnics or lunchboxes. You can also mound it onto a bed of mixed greens for a composed salad plate, or scoop it into halved avocados for a show-stopping appetizer. However you serve it, this salad is guaranteed to get rave reviews.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Broccoli Cranberry Salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy weeks or special occasions. Just give it a quick stir before enjoying.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad, as the fresh broccoli and creamy dressing don’t hold up well to thawing. The texture can become watery and the salad may lose its signature crunch, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or after a short stint in the fridge.

Reheating

Broccoli Cranberry Salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If it’s been chilling in the fridge, simply set it out for a few minutes to take off the chill before serving. This keeps the textures crisp and the flavors vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli in Broccoli Cranberry Salad?

While fresh broccoli gives the best texture and crunch, you can use thawed, well-drained frozen broccoli in a pinch. Just be aware the salad may be softer and less vibrant, but it will still taste great!

Is there a lighter alternative to mayonnaise for the dressing?

Absolutely! For a lighter twist, substitute part or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess and a little tang, making the Broccoli Cranberry Salad even more refreshing.

What other add-ins can I try?

This salad is super versatile. Try tossing in crispy bacon bits, diced apples for extra crunch, or swap out sunflower seeds for toasted almonds. Feel free to make it your own!

How far in advance can I make Broccoli Cranberry Salad?

You can make the salad up to a day ahead of time. In fact, letting it sit for a few hours or overnight in the fridge helps the flavors develop and the broccoli to soften just enough.

Is Broccoli Cranberry Salad gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as all your ingredients (especially the mayonnaise and any add-ins) are certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Broccoli Cranberry Salad: it’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and downright delicious. Whether you’re making it for a holiday table or a weekday lunch, don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen too. Give it a try and watch it work its magic!

Broccoli Cranberry Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 4 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing and colorful Broccoli Cranberry Salad combining crisp broccoli florets with sweet dried cranberries, sharp cheddar cheese, and a tangy honey apple cider vinegar dressing. Perfect as a make-ahead holiday side or a healthy snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/3 cup red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup sunflower seeds or chopped pecans

Dressing Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped broccoli, dried cranberries, shredded cheddar cheese, finely diced red onion, and sunflower seeds or pecans. Mix gently to combine all the elements evenly.
Prepare Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well blended.
Toss Salad and Chill: Pour the prepared dressing over the broccoli mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly until the broccoli and other ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Refrigerate Before Serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir again gently before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Notes

This salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors.
For a lighter dressing, substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise.
Add crispy bacon bits for an extra crunch and smoky flavor if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American