Best Broccoli Cranberry Salad

The best Broccoli Cranberry Salad is the perfect healthy side dish with bacon and sunflower seeds in a creamy dressing. Easy to assemble in under 15 minutes, it's a delicious make ahead recipe!

This is our famous Broccoli Cranberry Salad, over a million people have watched the recipe come to life and we're so excited! It’s a great make-ahead, easy recipe making entertaining simple. It has a spot at every holiday get-together, potluck, or celebration.

Talk about a holiday party of flavors! The combination of sweet and savory notes blended with veggies and an incredible creamy, tangy dressing makes for the perfect side dish!

If your’e a broccoli lover, be sure to check out my other popular broccoli recipes Garlic Broccoli and Mushrooms and Broccoli Cauliflower Bacon Salad!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare. This delicious broccoli salad is easy to prepare, making it a perfect dish for cooks of all levels.
• Festive Appeal. Festive ingredients, amazing flavors, and holiday appeal makes this fresh broccoli salad a standout dish on a festive table.
• Nutrient-Rich. Beyond taste, this is a healthy salad recipe and nutrient powerhouse. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Flavorful Combination. The mix of the slightly bitter broccoli, the sweetness of dried cranberries and pomegranate arils, the savoriness of crunchy sunflower seeds and crispy bacon, and the richness of cheese and dressing creates the perfect bite! It’ll quickly become one of your new favorite side dishes.

Ingredients

Scroll down for specific ingredient amounts in the recipe card. 

• Mayonnaise: The base of the sweet dressing, binds the ingredients together, and adds moisture.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds acidity, balancing the richness of the dressing.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the dressing.
• Broccoli Heads: The star of the salad, providing a hearty and nutritious base..
• Dried Cranberries and Pomegranate Arils: Add sweetness and a festive touch, balancing the savory broccoli.
• Bacon: Contributes a savory and smoky element, elevating the salad's richness.
• Red Onion: Adds a sharp and slightly pungent flavor.
• White Cheddar Cheese: Provides creaminess and a salty contrast.
• Roasted and Salted Sunflower Seeds: Sunflower kernels bring a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor, complementing the soft broccoli.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Tongs
• Cutting Board
• Chef's Knife
• Liquid Measuring Cups
• Dry Measuring Cups and Spoons

How to Make Broccoli Cranberry Salad

1. Cut heads of broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Finely dice cooked, crisp bacon and onion. Cube white cheddar cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Set aside. 

3. In a large bowl, mix together broccoli, cranberries, cheese, pomegranate arils, bacon, red onion, and sunflower kernels. 

4. Pour the dressing mixture over the salad ingredients, and toss until coated well. 

5. Refrigerate a couple of hours for the flavors to marry. When ready to serve, garnish with additional sunflower seeds and cranberries.

Tips for Success and Substitutions

Feel free to get creative and tailor the broccoli salad to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

• Chop Ingredients the Same Size. Aim for uniformity in chopping the broccoli, nuts, onions, and other ingredients. This creates a balanced bite with a mix of flavors and textures in each forkful.
• Let it Chill so the Flavors can Marinate. Allow the assembled salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This gives the flavors time to mingle and intensify.
• Experiment with Dressing Variations. Try different dressings to find the one that suits your taste. Whether it's a classic mayo-based dressing, a tangy vinaigrette, or a yogurt-based option, the dressing can significantly influence the overall flavor. White wine vinegar or red wine vinegar can be used in place of the apple cider vinegar.
• Include Fresh Herbs. Add a pop of freshness with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill. This adds another layer of flavor and brightens up the salad.
• Substitute the Broccoli. If you're not a fan of broccoli, consider using cauliflower or a broccoli-cauliflower mix for a similar cruciferous crunch.
• Dried Fruit Swaps. Swap dried cranberries for golden raisins, currants, juicy grapes, or chopped dried apricots.
• Nut Variations. Use crunchy almonds, sesame seeds, cashews, walnut, or pecans instead of sunflower seeds.
• Cheese Choices. Experiment with different cheeses like extra sharp cheddar cheese, feta, gouda, or goat cheese.
• Red Onion Variations. If red onion is too strong, you can use green onions or chives for a milder flavor.

Storage

Refrigeration: Store leftover broccoli salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Consume Promptly: For optimal taste and texture, it's advisable to consume broccoli salad within 1-2 days. While it may be safe for a longer duration, some ingredients, like broccoli, can lose their crispness over time.

Avoid Freezing: Due to the ingredients' textures, freezing broccoli salad is not recommended. Freezing can lead to changes in texture.

Refreshing the Salad: If the salad has been in the refrigerator for a day and needs a refresh, consider adding a bit more dressing or a squeeze of lemon juice to revive the flavors.

What to Serve with Broccoli Bacon Cranberry Salad

While this fresh salad pairs well with so many dishes, some our favorites to serve it with are French Onion Chicken Casserole, Corn Casserole, Beef Tips and Gravy, and Roast Cornish Hens.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Easy Side Dish Recipes

• Winter Salad with Maple Dressing
• Pistachio Fluff Salad
• French Onion Hashbrown Casserole
• Crispy Parmesan Potatoes