I absolutely love that this salad blends fresh broccoli with crisp bacon, zesty cheddar, and bursts of raisins for unexpected sweetness. The tangy dressing with apple cider vinegar adds the perfect balance, and the roasted sunflower seeds provide a satisfying crunch. It’s a vibrant twist that keeps my taste buds intrigued every time.

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I made this Broccoli Salad called Sugar Spun Run last weekend and it was a hit at our potluck. I start with 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite size pieces that keep the crunch intact.

Then I toss in 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled, plus 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion for that tinge of sharp flavor. I also add 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup raisins to give it a nice contrast.

To complete the mix, I fold in 1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds for extra texture. The dressing is made from 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and salt and pepper to taste.

I believe this salad not only tastes great but can be a low cal option if you adjust some ingredients. Its a practical recipe if you like a mix of sweet and savory big on nutrition.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because the mix of textures is so cool. I love the crunch from the fresh broccoli and the crispy bacon, and it makes eating it really fun. I also enjoy the sweet twist from the raisins and the sugar in the dressing; it balances all the salty flavors perfectly. Another reason is how simple it is to make, even though it looks fancy, it only takes a few steps and it’s really satisfying to prepare. Plus the tangy flavor from the apple cider vinegar makes everything pop and keeps my taste buds excited every time i eat it.

Ingredients

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Fresh broccoli gives a high fiber boost, vitamins, and a crisp, juicy texture.
Bacon furnishes savory protein with a smoky, crunchy taste that stands out.
Red onion brings a zesty tang and natural antioxidants for improved flavor.
Cheddar cheese supplies calcium and extra protein, giving a tangy and creamy finish.
Raisins add natural sweetness along with dietary fiber and a chewy texture.
Mayonnaise creates a rich, tangy dressing that brings all flavors together.
Roasted sunflower seeds give crunch, protein, and healthy fats, enhancing bite after bite.
Apple cider vinegar offers a tangy sour note balancing the creamy and sweet mix.

Ingredient Quantities

4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite size pieces

6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled

1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds

1 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

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1. Chop 4 cups of fresh broccoli florets into bite sized pieces and put them in a large bowl.

2. Cook 6 slices of bacon until its crispy then let it cool and crumble them up.

3. Thinly slice 1/2 cup red onion and add it to the bowl with the broccoli.

4. Mix in 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup raisins, and 1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds.

5. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar.

6. Stir the dressing until the sugar is almost dissolved.

7. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss it gently.

8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9. Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour so the flavors can mix.

10. Give it a good stir before serving and enjoy this tasty salad.

Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board
2. Chef knife
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Frying pan
5. Spatula or tongs
6. Small bowl
7. Measuring cups and spoons
8. Mixing spoon
9. Refrigerator

FAQ

Q: Can I use raw broccoli in this salad? A: Yup, you can use it raw for a crisp bite, but if you prefer it a bit softer, you can quickly blanch it in boiling water then chill it.

Q: How long does the salad keep? A: Its best if you eat it within 2 days in the fridge, cause after that the textures start to get a little mushy.

Q: Can I swap out the bacon? A: Sure thing, you can replace bacon with turkey bacon or even omit it totally if you wanna make it a bit healthier.

Q: Is there a vegan alternative for this recipe? A: Yeah, you can use vegan mayo and skip the bacon so its a plant-based dish, but the flavor will be a bit different.

Q: Do I need to cut my broccoli into small pieces? A: Definitely, cutting them into bite-size pieces makes it easier to mix and enjoy every flavor in each spoonful.

Broccoli Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have regular bacon, try using turkey bacon or even omit it completely for a vegetarian version.
You can swap out the shredded cheddar cheese with mozzarella or swiss cheese if you want a different taste.
If raisins arent your favorite, dried cranberries or chopped dates are a great alternative.
Instead of mayonnaise you can use plain greek yogurt as a lighter, tangier substitute.
And if you run out of apple cider vinegar, a squeeze of lemon juice or even white vinegar works fine.

Pro Tips

1) You might wanna toast the sunflower seeds and even the raisins in a dry pan for a couple minutes to bring out their flavor – just keep an eye on them so they dont burn.
2) When you’re cooking the bacon, let it rest on some paper towels after cooking so it stays super crispy before you crumble it.
3) Try not to chop the broccoli too finely; keeping the chunks a bit larger gives the salad a nicer crunch and texture.
4) Chill the salad for more than an hour if you can – the longer it sits, the more the flavors blend together, making it even tastier.