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Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Sunflower Seeds

Crunchy Broccoli Salad - featured image
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A quick and easy summer salad combining fresh broccoli, smoky bacon, and nutty sunflower seeds tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side dish for backyard barbecues or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 strips bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
  • 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, toasted
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1/3 cup raisins or dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Place 6 strips of bacon in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crisp (about 8-10 minutes). Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Toast the sunflower seeds: In the same skillet (remove excess bacon fat if needed), add 1/2 cup sunflower seeds. Toast over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant (about 3-5 minutes). Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  3. Prepare broccoli and onion: Rinse 4 cups of broccoli florets and pat dry thoroughly. Dice 1/4 cup red onion finely.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, salt, and pepper to taste until creamy and slightly tangy.
  5. Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, toss broccoli, bacon, toasted sunflower seeds, shredded cheddar, diced onion, and raisins.
  6. Add dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and textures soften slightly. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Dry broccoli thoroughly to prevent watery dressing. Cook bacon slowly over medium heat for perfect crispness. Toast sunflower seeds carefully to avoid bitterness. Add sunflower seeds just before serving if storing salad to maintain crunch. Dressing can be lightened with Greek yogurt. Bacon can be substituted with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon for vegetarian version.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon salad, sunflower seeds, summer salad, crunchy salad, easy salad recipe, low-carb salad, keto salad

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