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
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
