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Flavorful Broccoli Salad with Bacon Cranberries and Cheddar Dressing

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A quick and easy broccoli salad featuring crispy bacon, sweet dried cranberries, and a creamy sharp cheddar dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings and a crowd-pleasing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • ¾ cup shredded sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: ¼ cup sunflower seeds

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices of bacon and cook until crisp, about 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally for even browning. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Prepare the broccoli: Rinse and pat dry 4 cups of broccoli florets. Chop into small, uniform pieces for easy eating. Place broccoli in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Chop the onion: Finely dice ¼ cup of red onion. If desired, soak the pieces in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain well before adding.
  4. Make the cheddar dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth and cheese is well incorporated. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper.
  5. Combine salad: Add crumbled bacon, dried cranberries, chopped onion, and optional sunflower seeds to the bowl with broccoli. Pour the cheddar dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece.
  6. Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Stir gently before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Use fresh broccoli for best texture; frozen broccoli can make the salad soggy. Cook bacon until crispy but not burnt for the best texture contrast. Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for the dressing to avoid blandness. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Optional sunflower seeds add extra crunch. For dairy-free, substitute cheddar with nutritional yeast and use dairy-free mayo. For vegetarian, omit bacon and add toasted walnuts or roasted chickpeas.

Nutrition

Keywords: broccoli salad, bacon, cheddar dressing, dried cranberries, summer side dish, easy salad, picnic salad

Find it online: https://forkmila.com/flavorful-broccoli-salad-with-bacon-cranberries-and-cheddar-dressing-recipe-for-best-homemade-summer-side/