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Creamy Broccoli Salad Recipe with Crispy Bacon and Sunflower Seeds

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A quick and easy creamy broccoli salad featuring crisp-tender broccoli florets, crispy bacon, crunchy sunflower seeds, and a tangy Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or a fresh side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (about 300g), fresh and crisp
  • 6 slices crispy bacon, cooked until golden and crumbly
  • ½ cup sunflower seeds (about 70g), shelled and roasted
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
  • ⅓ cup dried cranberries or raisins (50g), optional
  • ½ cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt (120g)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (60g)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add bacon slices and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping occasionally until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Prepare the broccoli: Wash and dry broccoli. Cut into bite-sized florets, keeping them crisp.
  3. Dice the onion: Finely chop ¼ cup red onion. Rinse under cold water briefly to mellow sharpness if desired.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until creamy and light.
  5. Combine the salad: In a large mixing bowl, toss broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, diced onion, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds. Pour dressing over and gently mix until evenly coated.
  6. Chill and serve: Refrigerate salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and broccoli soften slightly but remain crunchy.

Notes

Dry broccoli thoroughly after washing to prevent watery dressing. Cook bacon until crispy for best texture. Add sunflower seeds just before serving to keep crunch. Dressing can be lightened with a splash of cold water or lemon juice if too thick. Bacon fat can be saved to sauté onions for extra smoky flavor. Salad can be made ahead but keep bacon and sunflower seeds separate until serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, creamy broccoli salad, bacon salad, sunflower seeds, easy salad recipe, potluck salad, healthy salad

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/creamy-broccoli-salad-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-and-sunflower-seeds-easy-homemade-crunchy-salad/