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Fresh Cookout Broccoli Salad Recipe with Cranberries and Sunflower Seeds

fresh cookout broccoli salad - featured image
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A fresh, crunchy broccoli salad with sweet-tart cranberries and nutty sunflower seeds, perfect as an easy summer side dish that pleases crowds.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup dried cranberries (unsweetened optional)
  • ½ cup shelled sunflower seeds, toasted
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat preferred)
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt (dairy-free yogurt optional)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and chop about 4 cups of broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. Pat dry thoroughly.
  2. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add ½ cup sunflower seeds and toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until lightly golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  3. If using, cook 4 slices of bacon in the skillet until crisp. Drain on paper towels then crumble into small pieces.
  4. Finely dice ¼ cup red onion.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, add the broccoli, dried cranberries, toasted sunflower seeds, chopped onion, and crumbled bacon. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  7. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and broccoli soften slightly without losing crunch.
  8. Before serving, drain any excess liquid if needed and adjust seasoning.

Notes

Wash and dry broccoli thoroughly to avoid soggy salad. Toast sunflower seeds for best flavor. Chill salad at least 30 minutes before serving. Bacon is optional but recommended for smoky depth. Vegan and nut-free substitutions available.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, summer side dish, cookout salad, cranberry salad, sunflower seeds, easy salad, healthy side

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/fresh-cookout-broccoli-salad-recipe-with-cranberries-and-sunflower-seeds-easy-and-best-summer-side-dish/